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Vol. VII October, 1921 

Nos. 1, 2 AND 3 TO April, 1922 



Smith College Studies 
in History 



JOHN SPENCER BASSETT 
SIDNEY BRADSHAW FAY 

Editors 



MAJOR HOWELL TATUM'S JOURNAL 

While Acting Topographical Engineer (1814) 

TO GENERAL JACKSON 

Commanding the Seventh Military District 



Edited By 
JOHN SPENCER BASSETT, Ph.D., LL.D. 



NORTHAMPTON, MASS. 
Published Quarterly by the Department of History of Smith College 



19SZ 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Introductory Note 5 

Major H. Tatum's Journal 9 



INTRODUCTORY NOTE 

Howell Tatum, the author of the report that is herewith 
published for the first time, was of a family prominent in North 
Carolina in the period of the revolution. From Heitman's "His- 
torical Register of Officers of the Continental Army" we have 
the following statement: "Tatum, Howell (N. C), Ensign 
1st North Carolina, 1st September, 1775; 2nd Lieutenant, 4th 
January, 1776; 1st Lieutenant, 28th March, 1776; Captain, 3rd 
April, 1777. Taken prisoner at Charleston 12th May, 1780; ex- 
changed 14th June, 1781 ; resigned 20th May, 1782." Beyond 
this brief mention the only additional fact we have about his 
military experience during the revolution is in his own state- 
ment describing in the subjoined report the artillery battle at 
New Orleans, January 1, 1815. "This discharge," he says, 
"was met with great spirit and zeal on the part of the defend- 
ers by an incessant fire of Ball, Grape and shell from their bat- 
teries. I had never before witnessed so severe a cannonade 
for the time it lasted, as on this occasion (even in the six weeks 
siege of the City of Charleston, in 1780). The firing was, al- 
most, without intermission on both sides for nearly three hours." 

After resigning from the army in 1782 Captain Tatum turned 
to the law. At some time he must have studied surveying, an 
accomplishment of many of the bright young men of the colonies. 
His topographical notes of the voyage down the Alabama 
River in 1814 show how well he was versed in that art. As a 
lawyer he was in Nashville as early as 1790; for when Tennessee 
was organized as a territory under federal authority, after it 
had been ceded by North Carolina, Tatum was one of the 
lawyers whom the new governor licensed to practise law at 
that place on December 15 of that year. It is of interest to see 
who were the others. In the records of the local court the 
names stand as follows : "Josiah Love, John Overton, Andrew 
Jackson, David Allison, Howell Tatum, James Cole Mount- 
florence, and James White." If, as seems probable, the order 



6 Smith College Studies in History 

In which these persons are mentioned indicates the priority of 
their residence in the country, Tatum must have arrived in 
West Tennessee about the same time that Jackson arrived, that 
is, in 1785. There follows scant mention of him in the local 
records. But enough is known to show that he was treasurer of 
Mero District from 1794 to 1796, attorney-general of the same 
district from 1796 to 1797, and judge of the superior court of 
law and equity from May 12, 1797, to September 20, 1798. At 
some time, also, he was a commissioner of land claims through 
the appointment of the legislature.^ 

For a long time after this he seems to have been out of public 
office for his name does not appear in any available records. 
But with the outbreak of the war of 1812 he placed his services 
at the disposal of the government. His revolutionary experience 
gave him the right to a good appointment. He does not seem 
to have been with Jackson in the Creek campaign ; but he was with 
him at Camp Jackson in the summer of 1814, when the com- 
mander was making the Creek treaty and thus completing the 
work done at the battle of the Horseshoe. From that place 
to the end of the New Orleans campaign Tatum, with the rank 
of major, followed his chieftain in the capacity of topographical 
ensrineer. Tatum's services must not be confused with those of 
Major A. Lacarriere Latour who also served Jackson as en- 
gineer. Latour's special training was in the construction of 
defences and in that capacity he rendered signal services. 

Major Tatum's "Jo"^"^^" exists in his own hand. In the 
Jackson Manuscripts in the Library of Congress are some stray 
sheets in Tatum's handwriting which may have been a part of 
the draft from which the completed "Journal" was prepared. 
The fair copy is in the office of the Chief Engineer of the army 
and the copy from which the publication now offered to the 
public has been made was furnished to the editor through the 
kindness of Major Thomas M. Robins, Corps of Engineers, 



' For these facts on Tatum's career in office the Editor is indebted to 
Judge John H. DcWitt, President of the Tennessee Historical Society. 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 7 

United States Army. Its value consists in the direct, first-hand 
evidence it gives of the campaign together with the minute 
account of the topography of the Alabama River, with the 
clearings along it before it began to be settled by the whites 
from the United States. It deserves to be ranked, among the 
original narratives of the battle of New Orleans, with Major 
Latour's "Historical Memoir of the War in West Florida and 
Louisiana, 1814 and 1815" (1816) and the British account by 
Gleig, published as "The Campaign of the British Army at 
Washington and New Orleans in the years 1814 and 1815" 
(1821), and as "A Subaltern in America" (1833). The text is 
reproduced with exact fidelity to the ofiicial copy in the war 
department, save for a very few instances in which errors of 
spelling of proper names had apparently come about through care- 
lessness on the part of the writer of the "Journal." In such 
cases it was thought best to correct the errors. The few muti- 
lated places are indicated and efforts to supply the missing words 
are shown by brackets. 

Major Tatum's "Journal" is not dated. But there is internal 
evidence to indicate that it was written before the capture of Fort 
Bowyer by the British, February 12, 1815. As the last entry is 
for January 20. 1815, it is probable that it was written concur- 
rently with the events described and completed between January 
20 and February 12. The last paragraph, in which is mentioned 
June 15, 1815, the date on which Major Tatum retired from 
military service, was probably written after the main narrative 
was completed. 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 

While Acting Topographical Engineer (18 14) 

to General Jackson, 

Commanding 7th Military District 

(Not recorded, but noticed in marcin of Rep. Book. pa. 11 j 

Having received a letter of appointment to the ofhce of Topo- 
graphical Engineer, from Major General Jackson, Commanding 
the 7th Military District, with instructions, in case of acceptance, 
to join him without delay, wherever his Headquarters might be, 
I accordingly advised him, by letter dated June 28th, 1814, that 
I had accepted the appointment and should proceed on my route to 
join him with as little delay as possible, or to that effect. In pur- 
suance of this notification I left Nashville, Tennessee, on the 6th 
of July and proceeded to Fort Jackson, near the junction of the 
Coosa and Tallahoosa Rivers, in the Creek Nation, and arrived 
at that post (then the Headquarters of the General) on the morn- 
ing of the 21st of the same month, and reported my arrival to 
the Commanding General and entered upon the duties assigned me. 

The troops stationed at this post at the time of my arrival 
were the 3rd Regiment United States Infantry, commanded by 
Major J. Woodruff, said to consist of about five hundred in num- 
ber, officers included. 

From the above date to the 9th of August, inclusive, the Com- 
manding General was engaged, principally, in carrying into ef- 
fect the object of his mission to that place, which was under- 
stood to be the effecting of a capitulation with the war party 
of the Creek Nation, and obtaining from that Nation an adequate 
indemnity in lands to discharge the expense of the campaigns 
they had placed the General Government under the necessity 
of sending against them, to repel hostility commenced, on their 
part, without provocation against the citizens of the United States. 
This object was effected and the capitulation signed and ex- 



10 Smith College Studies in History 

changed, on the said 9th day of August, 1814, and forwarded 
to the War Department two days after the date aforesaid. 

About this time Colonel Pipkin arrived at that post with part 
of his Regiment of West Tennessee, drafted militia, as previously 
ordered, accompanied by one company of the 44th United States 
Infantry, commanded by Captain Isaac L. Baker. On the ar- 
rival of this reinforcement to take charge of the said post, the 
Commanding General caused preparations to be made for de- 
scending the Coosa and Alabama Rivers, to Mobile, with the 
regular forces then at Fort Jackson and on the 11th day of 
the same month embarked on board of the same boats in which 
the 3rd Regiment had, shortly before, ascended from Fort Clai- 
boume, leaving Colonel Pipkin in command of Fort Jackson 
and Fort Decatur, 25 miles above, on the Tallapoosa River; to 
which place one company of said militia had previously been 
sent, to relieve the North Carolina militia then at that post, 
whose time of service had nearly expired. 

August 11, 1814 

The Commanding General and suite having embarked on board 
of one of the boats, I was directed to accompany him and in the 
descent to ascertain the courses and distances of the Alabama River 
from the junction of the Coosa and Tallapoosa Rivers, as well as I 
could under such circumstances. The boats commenced their 
descent at 1 o'clock P. M. and on their arrival at the junction 
of said rivers I commenced the execution of the duties assigned 
me. The result is as follows, viz. : From the junction of the Coosa 
and Tallapoosa Rivers run : 

S. 25° W. 40 chains. 

S. 45° W. 40 chains. Received a creek from the left at this distance 

and find the lands good on both sides. 

S. 10° W. 40 chains. On the left is a rich bend, formed, in part, by 

the Tallapoosa, which includes several small 
Indian Improvements, or plantations. The river 
is low, level and rich on both sides. The river 
shoally from the junction to this place. Passed' 
to the right of an island. 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 



11 



N. 55° W. 40 chains. 
N. 30° W. 1 mile. 



West 30 chains. 



S. 25° W. 20 chains. 



S. 30° E. 1 mile. 



S. 10° W. 2 miles. 



S. 55° W. 40 chains. 
S. 45° E. 20 chains. 
S. 80° E. 20 chains. 
S. 35° E. 40 chains. 



S. 25° E. 30 chains. 
S. 20° W. 30 chains. 

West 20 chains. 

N. 25° W. 30 chains. 

N. 65° W. 1 mile. 



A bluff and plantation on the left. 
To the upper end of a high bluff on the right- 
lands low and rich on both sides to this place. 
Improvements on the right. 
Bluff continued on the right — low and rich on 
the left. A spring on the right at the end of 
this distance. 

The Coosa-and-a town formerly stood on a 
bluff on the right at this place. It was burned 
in April last by a party commanded by Lieut. 
Colonel Gibson of the West Tennessee Volun- 
teers. Lands on the left low and rich. 
Rich lands and fields on the right, below the 
Coosanda Town, and level, rich lands on the 
left. A small creek from the left, at 60 chains, 
supposed to be Weather ford's Creek. 
Lands lower on the left than on the right but 
good onb oth sides. Passed to the left of a 
large island. 

Lands low and rich on both sides. 
Shoal water for these distances. Good lands 
continued on both sides. 

To a bluff on the right. Lands appear good 
on both sides to this place. At 20 chains re- 
ceived a small creek from the left. 
Lands low and rich on both sides. 
To the upper end of a red bluff on the left. 
Lands goods on both sides. Piney on the bluff. 
Bluff continues on the left. 
good on both sides. Passed to the left of a 
right. 

Good lands on both sides. 

Encamped on the left bank at 10>4 miles from 
the junction and 17 miles below Fort Jackson. 
August 12 



Proceeded at 5 o'clock A. M. 



N. 60° W. 20 ch. 
N. 80° W. 30 ch. 

S. 55° W. 20 chins. 



S. 10° E. 40 chains. 



Lands high and good on both sides. 

To a bluff on the right. Good lands on both 

sides — best on the left. 

Along the bluff on the right composed of rocky 

banks, and pine land. Good lands on the left. 

A small creek from the left near the end of 

this distance. 

Along the bluff on tlie right. Good and high 

lands on the left. The bluff ends at this 

distance. 



12 Smith College Studies in History 

S. 60° E. 40 chains. A small branch from the left, at the commence- 

ment, and good lands on both sides. 

S. 45° E. 3 m. 40 ch. Good lands on both sides. Passed to the left 

of an island from 2^ to 3 miles. A large 
improvement on the right, opposite the island. 
Some improvements also on the left. This 
course ends at the upper end of a high bluff 
on the left, on which formerly stood the Tow- 
wassa Town, burned by Major Peacock of the 
39th Infantry, in April last. This is called 
Weatherford's bluff, and by some the red bluff. 
The improvements on the right are very exten- 
sive and reach along the river upwards of 2 
miles above and below this point. 

South 20 ch. Along the bluff. This bluff has high, red banks, 

from whence the Indians give it the name of 
the red lands, or Ecenchanda. It is not a red 
land but more properly a red bluff, as the 
whites name it. However, it is not so proper 
a distinction as that given to one many miles 
below. Improvements continue on the right. 
A spring on the right at the commencement. 

S. 80° W. 20 ch. Along the bluff. This bluff is 100 feet high its 

whole distance, nearly. 

N. 45° W. 40 ch. The bluff continues on the left, and the banks 

show that they contain considerable quantities 
of yellow ochre — fields on the riglit. The whole 
is very rich land on the right, and contains old 
Weatherford's old place of residence near the 
end of this distance. 

N. 70° W. 3 miles. Passed to the right of an island at from 40 to 

60 chains. A spring branch from the right at 
20 chains above the island. Passed the lower 
end of the Tow-wassa Town or Village at 1 
mile. Here ends the bluff at the end of this mile. 
Passed three other islands, one of which is 
high and timbered. Islands nearly complete the 
whole of this course and distance. Good lands 
to the left the last 40 chains. The lands above, 
on the bluff, are open handsome farming lands 
but not very rich. The lands on the right, good 
the whole distance. 

N. 45° W. 20 ch. Improvements on the right end at 10 chains. A 

bluff commences on the right and ends at a 
short distance. Good lands on the left. 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 



13 



N. 80° W. 60 ch. 
North 60 ch. 

N. 25° W. 40 ch. 
N. 15° W. 40 ch. 



N. 80° W. 20 ch. 
S. 70° W. 1 mile. 



West 30 ch. 



S. 25° W. 1 mi. 20 ch. 



S. 50° W. 30 ch. 

S. 70° W. 40 ch. 

S. 55° W. 1 mi. 40 ch. 
S. 80° W. 1 mi. 20 ch. 

N. 60° W. 20 ch. 
N. 65° W. 20 ch. 



S. 60° W. 20 ch. 



South 1 mile. 



Passed to the right of a small island. Good 
lands on both sides. Improvements on the 
right. 

Passed to the right of two small islands at 20 
chains. Large improvements on the right. 
Lands rather thin on both sides for part of this 
distance. 

Lands good on both sides. Improvements con- 
tinue on the right. 

A branch from the right at 15 chains, where 
the improvements end. Lands continue good on 
both sides. 

A spring from the right. 

Passed to the left of an island. A large im- 
provement opposite, on the right, and rich lands 
on the left. A bluff on the left for half tlie 
distance. 

To a bluff on the right, a small distance below 
the last improvement. A branch from the right, 
at the lower end of the same improvement. 
A short bluff and rocky shore on the right. 
This course ends at a bluff on the left and rich, 
good land on the right. 

A bluff of thin land on the left. Improvement 
on the right. 

Bluff continued on the left. A creek from the 
right at 15 chains. Land lowest on the right. 
Lands good on both sides. 

Passed to the left of an island. Good lands 
continued on both sides. 

A rocky bluff on the left. Good on the right. 
To a bluff on the right at half distance, com- 
mencing with 2 high conical hills with a nar- 
row valley and spring branch between — the 
lower cone composed of a substance resembling 
the red paint used by the natives. On this bluff 
is the old Indian town of Antanga. A creek 
from the right, above the bluff, appears hand- 
some. Name not known. 

Along the bluff. Improvements on rich land to 
the left. Antanga is a beautiful situation, over- 
looking fine, rich lands on the left, or opposite 
side. 

Passed to the left of an island. A valuable 
plantation on the left side and a large one on 



Passed 2 good springs on the right. 



14 Smith College Studies in History 

the right, the one opposite and the other below 
the town of Antanga. 

S. 10° E. 1 mile. A bluff to the left the last 20 chains and an im- 

provement. 

S. 30° W. 1 mile. Passed to the left of an island. Passed the 

mouth of Cuttooma Creek from the left at 20 
chains. The lands between Weather ford's Bluff 
and this creek are represented to be very good 
to its junction with the Coosa River, both on 
and off from the river. 

S. 65° W. 30 ch. To an improvement on a bluff to the right. 

Lands good on both sides. 

S. 60° 40 ch. 

South 20 chains. 

S. 5° E. 1 mi. 40 ch. Leaving a large island containing at least 100 

acres to the right. An improvement on the 
island. 

S. 10° W. 40 ch. To an improvement and low bluff on the left, 

opposite the lower end of the island. 

S. 70° 4 mi. 40 ch. Passed Puth-lau-la Creek from the left at 20 

chains and passed to the right of an island 
opposite the mouth of said creek. Passed to the 
right of 2 small islands at 1 mile, below which 
are large improvements on the left. Lands 
good on both sides. 

N. 65° W. 20 ch. William Weatherford's plantation is on the 

right, on an excellent tract of land. Hatcha- 
soof-ka, or Steep Creek, empties into the river 
at 10 chains from the left. This creek is some- 
times called Tallawassa by the natives. 
Along a high bluff of pine lands and rocky 
shore to the right. Good lands on the left. 

N. 30° W. 1 mi. 20 ch. Passed to the right of an island. Improve- 

ments continuing on the right. Lands thin on 
the left. Improvement on the left opposite an 
island. Spring on the right. Passed another 
fair spring on the right at 80 chains. 

West 1 mile. Passed 3 fine springs to the right at 20 chains. 

Lands rich on the left and thin on the right. 
Rocky on the left bank at the end of this dis- 
tance. 

N. 65° W. 1 mile. Passed to the right of an island at 20 to 40 

chains. 

S. 80° W. 40 ch. A high, handsome, pine bluff on the right. 

Rich lands on the left. On this bluff there has 
formcrlv been a town. 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 15 

S. 30° W. 40 ch. To the end of the bluff. A spring branch at 

the commencement. 

S. 20° W. 30 ch. Good lands on both sides. 

N. 60° W. 1 mi. 40 ch. Passed to the right of an island. A rocky bluff 

on the left 20 chains above the upper end of the 
islands. The lower end of the island is timbered 
and improved. It is 60 chains long. A shoal 
below. 

N. 25° W. 20 ch. Along a bluff to the left and field to the right. 

N. 10° E. 1 mi. 40 ch. Passed to the right of an island. An improve- 

ment on the left. A bluff on the right at the 
end of this distance. 

North 20 ch. And encamped on the right bank, at the lower 

end of the bluft', at the distance this day of 43 
miles. 

August 13 

Proceeded at half past 5 o'clock, P. M. 

N. 40° W. 20 ch. Improvement on the left. 

N. 80° W. 20 ch. A bluff on the right and 2 springs. 

S. 45° W. 30ch. Bluff continued on the right. A large im- 

provement on the left in very rich land. 

S. 65 W. 30 ch. Improvement on the right. Spring on the left, 

at the end of this distance. 

West 1 mile. Passed an island to the right. A creek from 

the right at 20 chains. 

S. 60° W. 40 ch. Passed to the right of an island and a spring 

opposite. 

S. 10° W. 40 ch. Passed to the right of an island improved. 

S. 30° E. 20 ch. Continued along the improved island. 

S. 10°E. 30ch. Lands good on both sides. 

S. 30° W. 40 ch. Improvement on the right. 

S. 35° W. 1 mi. 20 ch. A branch from the left at 20 chains. Low, flat 

bottom land on the right. Something higher 
and rich on the left. A branch from the right 
at 40 chains. Another from the left at 1 
mile. 

S.60° W. 10 ch. To a bluff on the left with rocky banks. The 

river only 80 yds. wide here. It is generally 
from 150 to 200 yds. wide above. 

N. 80° W. 1 mi. 20 ch. Passed along the bluff 20 chains to an island 

and through the channel on the right. Lands 
high on the left. Rich bottom on the right and 
a spring opposite the lower end of the island. 

S. 70° W. 20 ch. To Chuc-sa-be-ku, or the Holy Ground, on a 

bluff on the left about 40 chains long. It is a 
high bluff of level hickory, oak and pine land 



16 Smith College Studies in History 

of tolerable quality, a part of which has been 
cleared and cultivated ; another part cleared 
but not cultivated. This place was used for 
the revels of the War part}'. On the opposite 
side the lands are exceedingly rich and contain 
a fine, large field for cultivation. 
A-mo-ka-ti-jah, one of the prophets, was killed 
at this place in the attack made on it by Gen- 
eral Claibourne and Colonel G. Russel. This 
prophet lived at this place where himself and 
Josiah Frances, called by the natives Hilluhajab 
(The Mad-Physician) collected, through their 
influence and prophesies, the party destined for 
the destruction of Fort Mimms. They were 
placed under the command of William Weather- 
ford, a half-breed, nephew to Alexander Mc- 
Gilvery,* and other chiefs. The issue of this 
event is well known. 



N. 20° W. 20 ch.* 

N. 30° W. 60 ch. A spring on the left at 20 chains. 

North 60 ch. A fine spring on the left near the commence- 

ment, and a handsome blufif. Fine rich lands 
opposite. Passed to the right of an island. 

N. 5°E. 40ch. The bluff continues and thin land on the left, 

the whole distance. Lands rich on the right. 
An improvement on the right near the end. 

N. 45°W. 20ch. The bluff ends on the left and commences on 

the right. High and piney, rich lands on the 
left. 

West 20 ch. Bluff continued on the right. A spring branch 

from the right and rich lands on the left. 

S. SOW. 1 mile Along the bluff (say 150 feet high). Passed 

to the left of an island at 40 chains. Fine rich 
lands on the left. A small creek from the 
right at the end of the bluff, above the island. 
Fine rich lands below the creek. Rich, high 
land on the left, opposite the island. 

S. 50° W. 60 ch. Passed to the left of an island at 20 chains. 

Rich lands on both sides. A low bluff on the 
left and the lands higher and more thin than 
those on the right. 



' Alexander McGillivray. powerful half-breed Creek Chieftain, who di- 
rected the affairs of his people for several years before his death, in 1793. 
Tatum consistently misspells his name. General Claibornes' victory was won 
December 23, 1813. 

' No discription appears in the text opposite this entry. 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 17 

N. 80° W. 1 mi. 60 ch. A field to the right on rich lands. Good lands 

on the left. Passed to the left of an island. 

N. 65° W. 30 ch. Rich lands on both sides to the upper end of 

a bluff on the right. 

S. 45°W. 30ch. Along the bluff on the right. 

South 30 ch. Bluff continues on the right. Rich farming 

lands on the left. A small creek from the 
right at 10 chains. The bluff ends at the 
creek. Good lands below. 

S. 10 E. 60 ch. A bluff on the right for a short distance, which 

recedes from the river and leaves a small strip 
of good lands on the margin. Very rich on the 
left. 

S. 30 W. 30 ch. Rich lands on both sides. 

S. 20° E. 20 ch. The same quality continued. 

S. 30° E. 1 mile. High lands on the right of pine, oak and hick- 

ory growth. Rich bottom on the left. Good 
lands commence on the right at 30 chains and 
continue. 

S. 20° E. 1 mile. Good lands on both sides the whole distance. 

S. 10° W. 40 ch. Lands continue good on both sides. 

S. 30° W. 2 mi. 40 ch. Good lands on both sides, continue the whole of 

this distance. A field on the right at the lower 
end. 

S. 50° W. 40 ch. The field on the right continues. 

S. 70° W. 20 ch. 

West 20 ch. Another improvement on the right. 

N. 80° W. ch. Improvement on the right continued. 

N. 65° W. 40 ch. Passed the mouth of Pel-loop-loi-co, or Big 

Swamp Creek, from the left at 20 chains. Im- 
provement continued on the right. 

N. 30° W. 40 ch. Improvement continued on the right. Good 

lands on both sides to this point. The improve- 
ment on the right is at Wau-be-gus-ku old 
town. A creek from the left 1 mile below Big 
Swamp Creek and 20 chains below this dis- 
tance. Lands thin on the left near the end. 
A small branch from the right. 

N. 10° W. 1 mile. Passed the above creek from the left at 20 

chains. Improvement on the right still con- 
tinues. Passed to the right of an island at 
40 chains. The improvement on the right 
ceased at the upper end of the island at the dis- 
tance of 3 miles and 20 chains from its com- 
mencement. Good lands on both sides, the 
whole of the last course and distance. 



18 Smith College Studies in History 

N. 10° E. 20 ch. Improvment on the right. Lands high on the 

left with pine. 
N. 35° E. 20 ch. A blufif on the left. Improvement continued on 

the right. The bluff rocky and growth of pine, 

oak and hickory. 
N. 40° E. 40 ch. Bluff on the left continued 20 chains. Good 

lands from thence, on both sides. A fine spring 

on the right bank at the end. 
North 30 ch. Chiefly along a bluff to the right. Good lands 

to the left. A branch from the right near the 

end. Here the bluff ends. 
N. 30° W. 1 mile. Corn field on the left. 

N. 40° W. 40 ch. A creek or branch from the right. Passed a 

small island. 
N. 5° W. 50 ch. To the lower end of a sand bank on the right. 

Passed a creek from the right. Corn field on 

the left. Indian sign was discovered at this 

field, supposed to be some of the War party 

who had not surrendered. 

Encamped on the sand bank for the night at 

29 miles and 40 chains. 

Proceeded at 5 o'clock A. M. August 14 

N. 30. W. 20 ch. 

N. 40° W. 1 mile. Passed to the right of an island. 

N. 45° W. 1 mi. 40 ch. Passed to the left of a large island. 

N. 15° W. 1 mile. Passed to the left of an island. Bluff to the 

left, opposite the island. Lands good on both 
sides, the whole above 4 distances, to the dis- 
tance of 40 chains above the termination of the 
last ; from thence to the end is a rocky bank 
along the bluff. 

North 40 ch. Improvements on both sides. An old improve- 

ment of Durants, called Pitth-to-hav-loth-cau. 
on the right. It is a large improvement and 
extends the whole length of next distance, as 
well as a part of this. Lands here are rich 
on both sides. 

N. 40° E. 40 ch. The field and improvement continued as above 

stated. 

Passed to the left of an island. Improvement 
on the right. Shoal water at the lower end of 
this distance. 

A bluff and spring on the right. Good bottom 
on the left. 



N.60° 


E. 40 ch. 


N.75° 


E. 1 mile 


N. 40 E. 20 ch. 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 



19 



N. 45 W. 20 ch. 

N. 80° W. 1 mi. 40 ch. 



N.55°W.40ch. 



S. 80° W. 20 ch. 
S. 25° W. 1 mile. 



S. 60° E. 1 mile. 
S.25°E. 30ch. 



S. 35° W. 30 ch. 

S. 75° W. 1 mile 

S. 70° W. 20 ch. 

S. 30° W. 20 ch. 

South 20 ch. 
S.30E. lmi.40ch. 



South 30 ch. 
S. 30 W. 20 ch. 
S. 60° W. 30 ch. 

S. 45° W. 3 miles. 



To the head of an island. Bluff continued. 
Passed to the right of the island. Bluff continued 
on the right and ended opposite the island. Good 
lands on the left, to the lower end of said 
island, and then good on both sides. Shoal 
water the greater part of this distance. 
To a high red bluff on the right. Lands good 
on both sides. A handsome creek from the 
right 10 chains above the termination of this 
distance. 

Bluff continued on the right. 
Passed to the left of a large island. An im- 
provement on the left, opposite the island. 
Passed 2 other islands. An improvement on the 
left at the end of this distance. A cypress pond 
on the right. 

Rich lands on both sides. 

A handsome bluff on the left which contains a 
Mrs. Durant's old place. Low bottom on the 
right. 

The bluff and open lands continued on the left. 
Bottom lands on the right. 

Bluff and open woods continued on the left. 
Bottom on the right. 

To the upper end of a bluff on the right. Bot- 
tom lands on the left. 

Along the bluff. Bottom continues on the left. 
A good spring in the bluff at 10 chains. 
Along the bluff. Bottom continued on the left. 
A fine spring on the right in the bluff. Rich bot- 
tom on the left. The bluff on the right ends 
at 20 chains and bottom commences on the 
same side. 

To a bluff on the left. Bottom continues on 
both sides to the bluff. 

Along the bluff, which contains open, thin, pine 
lands. Bottom on the right. 
Bluff continued on the left and bottom on the 
right. The bluff ends here and good lands suc- 
ceed on both sides. 

Passed to the right of an island. Rich lands 
on both sides the whole distance. A creek 
from the left at 2 miles 60 chains. A field of 
corn to the right, opposite the creek. 



20 Smith College Studies in History 

S. 65° W. 2 miles. Appearance of rich lands on both sides. Three 

springs on the right, at different distances. Pine 
lands on the left the last 40 chains. 

West 20 ch. High pine lands on the left and rich on the right. 

N. 70° 30 ch. Pine hill continued on the left and rich lands 

on the right. 

N. 45° W. 1 mile. Pine lands continued on the left 20 chains. A 

spring branch from the right at 40 chains. 
Good lands on both sides. Bottom ends on the 
right at 60 chains and a handsome bluff of 
open lands and rock>' banks commence. 

N. 85° W. 1 mile. Bluff continued on the right and rich lands on 

the left. The bluff on the right ends at 20 
chains and good lands succeed. A small spring 
at the end of the bluff. High, rich lands com- 
mence on the left at 40 chains. 

N. 75° W. 1 mi. 20 ch. Passed to the left of an island at 60 chains. 

Good, high lands on the left. Rich bottom on 
the right. A branch from the left. Improve- 
ment on the right, below the island. 

N. 50° W. 1 mile. A high, open, pine bluff on the left. Improve- 

ment continued on the right and rich bottom. 
Passed to the left of an island at from 20 to 
40 chains. Rich lands on the left, from the 
upper end of the island. A spring on the right, 
opposite the lower end of the island. 

N. 30° W. 60 ch. The river shoally. Improvement on the right. 

A pine bluff on left containing rocky banks and 
several springs. Good lands opposite, and also 
below a sand beach on the left. Rich lands on 
the right and a spring. A handsome bold run- 
ning creek, a branch, opposite the lower end 
of the beach, at an improvement on the right. 
High lands, mixed with pine growth, at the end 
of this distance. 

N. 65° W. 30 ch. To a bluff on the right containing thin lands. 

Rich lands on the left. 
S. 65° W. 40 ch. Along the bluff. Rich lands on the left. 

S. 35° W. 2 mi.40 ch. Passed to the left of an island. Improvement 

and corn field on the right, at the mouth of a 

creek. Another creek on the left. Good lands 

on both sides. 
S. 70° W. 2 miles. Good lands continue on the right. Thin, high 

lands and rocky banks on the left. Good on 

the left at 1 mile. Passed to the right of a 

small island. 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 



21 



S. 65° W. 40 ch. 
S. 30° W. 40 ch. 

South 20 ch. 



S. 40° E. 1 mile. 



S. 60° E. 30 ch. 

S. 70° E. 30 ch. 



N. 50° E. 30 ch. 

North 1 mile. 

N.45°E. lOch. 

East 10 ch. 

S. 30° E. 1 mile. 

S. 45° E. 3 miles. 

S. 30° E. 1 mile. 

South 10 ch. 

S. 40° W. 10 ch. 

S.70°W. lOch. 

West 20 ch. 

N. 65° W. 3 miles. 

S. 80° 1 mi. 40 ch. 



Good lands on both sides. 

High, good lands and rocky shore, to the right, 

and rich bottom on the left. 

To a bluff of pine lands and rocky shore on the 

right. Rich on the left. A bad shoal in the 

river. The best channel is on the right. The 

bluff extends 20 cliains on next course and ends. 

Passed to the left of an island. Rocky banks 

and good, high lands on the left. Bottom on 

the right. 

Good lands on both sides. 

A handsome bluff of tolerably good land and a 

smooth rock bank on the right. Rich bottom on 

the left. The bluff continues the whole of this 

distance. 

Bluff continued on the right. Bottom and corn 

field on the left. 

Bluff continued on the right. A small creek 

and good lands on the left. 

To a bluff of rock on the left. 

Along the bluff. Bottom on the right. 

The bluff continued on the left and bottom on 

the right. Bluff ends at 40 chains on this 

course, and good lands succeed. 

Good lands on both sides. Passed to the left 
of an island at 40 chains Corn field on the 
right. A bad shoal at 1 mile 40 chains. 
Good lands on both sides. Improvement on the 
right at 20 chains, which continued the balance 
of this distance. A small creek from the left 
near the termination of the distance. 

Along a rocky bluff on the left. Improvement 
on the right continued. 

Bluff continued on the left. Rich lands and 

improvement continued on the right. 

Rocky bluff continued on the left. Good lands 

and improvement continued on the right. Thin 

lands on the bluff. 

Appearance the same as above. Improvement on 

the right continued. 

Lands thin on the left for 1 mile, then good 

on both sides. Best on the right. Improvement 

on the right ends at 20 chains on this course. 

Passed immediately to the left of an island. 

A fair spring to the left, opposite the head 



22 Smith College Studies in History 

of the island. Rocky banks on the left and 
rich lands on both sides. 
S. 60° W. 1 mile. Good lands on both sides. A bluff rises on 

the right at 40 chains. Lands thinner on that 
side. 

S. 40° W. 1 mi. 40 ch. The blufif ends and good lands on both sides 

continue. Highest on the right. The Cau-hau- 
ha river enters from the right at the termina- 
tion of this distance. The lands are excellent 
above. 

S. 5° W. 60 ch. Good lands on the right for 20 chains, to a 

bluff which continues the balance of this dis- 
tance, on the right. Rich bottom on the left. 

S. 10° E. 1 mi. 40ch. Tolerably good, high, bluff lands on the right. 

Rich bottom on the left A rocky bluff of good 
lands commences on the right near the end of 
this distance, above which is a piece of rich 
land. 

S. 45° E. 1 mile. A bluff of rock, with good lands on its summit 

for 20 chains, where the rock ends at a sand 
beach on the right (the same side) where the 
bottom commences on that side. Rich, bottom 
lands on the left, nearly to the end of this course 
and distance, when high lands commence and a 
bluff. A spring on the bluff, near the end. 
Another spring at the end A branch from the 
left. 
Encamped on the left at 51 miles 60 chains. 

August 15 
Proceeded at 5 o'clock, A. M. 

South 1 mile. Good lands on both sides. 

S.45°W.30ch. Good on both sides. Rocky shore on the left. 

S. 75°W. 40ch. A rocky shore on the left of good high lands. 

Bottom on the right. 

West 60 ch. Passed an island to the left and a fine spring 

on the left shore near the head of the island, 
at which place the rocky shore ends. Lands 
good on both sides. 

S. 75° W. 1 mile. Good lands on both sides. A rocky shore com- 

mences on the left, near the end. 

N. 75° W. 30 ch. Along a rocky shore and high lands on the left. 

Bottom on the right. 

N. 50° W. 1 mile. Passed to the right of an island. Good lands 

on both sides. 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 23 

N. 75° W. 60 ch. To the upper end of a poor, rocky bluff on the 

right covered with pine. Good on both sides 
to this bluff. A small creek from the right, 
above the bluflF. 

S. 50° W. 20 ch. Along the bluflF. Bottom lands on the left. 

This bluff is a white rock 100 feet high. The 
river not more than 80 yards wide at this place. 

S. 10°W. 20ch. Along the bluff on the right to the head of an 

island. 

S. 10° E. 1 mile. Passed to the head of the island. A creek 

breaks through the bluff, near the lower end 
thereof. The bluff continued about 10 chains 
below the creek, from whence the lands on the 
right are lower and better. Bottom continued 
on the left. 

S. 25° E. 1 mi. 20 ch. Passed a short bluff on the left at 60 chains. 

Good lands on both sides. Rocky on the left 
bank, the last 20 chains. 

S. 20° E. 30ch. To the upper end of a high bluff on the right. 

Good lands on both sides. 

S. 60° E. 1 mile. Passed to the left of an island, where th • 

bluff on the right ends. Bottom lands on th'^ 
left. Good, high lands on the right, from the 
upper end of the island to this place. 

S. 75° E. 1 mile. Lands good on both sides. A rocky bank on 

the right, the last 20 chains. 

East 1 mi. 40 ch. Rocky banks continued on the right for 20 

chains. Passed to the left of an island. A 
branch from the right runs through the bluff 
at 20 chains above the island. Good lands on 
both sides. A spring to the left, opposite 
the island. Rocky banks and rich land on the 
left. A large creek from the left, at the end 
of this distance. 

S. 55° E. 1 mile. A roclcy bluff on the left, of high, good lands. 

Bottom on the right. Passed to the right of 
an island. 

S. 25° E. 1 mile. Passed to the right of another island. Lands 

good on both sides. A large field of fine corn 
on the right near the end of this distance. 
Landed on the right, destroyed the field and 
the troops took as much of the green corn as 
they thought proper. 

This large field lies opposite to an encamp- 
ment on the right bank, on a high bluff of 
poor pine land. This encampment was formed 
and occupied by Colonel Pearson and his com- 



24 Smith College Studies in History 

mand of North Carolina Militia, in May or 
June last. The above field is of considerable 
extent, as will be seen by the subsequent notes, 
and is situated on a valuable breast of land 
on the right hand shore, in a bend, opposite 
the said encampment. The field commences 
about 20 chains above the place landed at, and 
continues as shown. 

The encampment is on a handsome situation 
which overlooks the whole extent of the bottom 
which is large. 
South 30 ch. The above bluflF on the left and field on the 

right continued. Passed the encampment at 10 
chains. 

S. 25° W. 40 ch. The bluff lowers on the left. Field continued 

on the right. A dry creek from the left at 
the end of the bluff. The bluff commences 
again near the end of this distance. The field 
ends at 15 chains. 

S. 60° 1 mi. 20 ch. Bluff continues on the left 20 chains. A 

branch from the right at 60 chains. Bottom on 
both sides below the bluff, and the whole dis- 
tance on the right, and very rich. 

S. 45° W. 1 mi. 60 ch. Good lands on both sides. A small creek 

from the left at 40 chains. Bluff lands on 
the left at 60 chains with rocky banks. The 
bluff is low. Bottom lands on the right. A 
spring on the right, opposite the lower end of 
the bluff. 

S. 70° W. 2 miles. Rocky bluff banks on the left and low, for 60 

chains to the head of an island, which was 
passed to the left. A bottom and spring on 
the right, 10 chains above the island. Lands 
rich and cainey [sic] bottom on the left, from 
the uper [sic] end of the island, and opposite 
the spring on the right. Rocky banks on the 
right, the last 20 chains. Lands high and 
rich over those banks. 

S. 60° W. 40 ch. To the uper [sic] end of a rocky bluff, on 

the left. A handsome creek from the end of 
this distance. 

N. 70° W, 1 mi. 20ch. A bluff, 40 feet high, of thinly timbered land 

on the left. Bottom on the right. 

N. 45° W. 1 mile. The same bluff continues on the left and bot- 

tom on the right for 20 chains. Good lands 
from thence the whole distance, on both sides. 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 25 

A small spring on the right, opposite the lower 
end of the bluff. 
West 30 ch. Along a handsome bluff to the right. A fine 

spring in the bluff at 15 chains. Bottom lands on 
the left. 

S. 45° W. 1 mi.60ch. The bluff continued on the right and bottom 

on the left. Passed to the right of an island 
at 40 chains. Shoal water below the island. 
The left shore the best passage. The bluff 
ends at 40 chains. Excellent lands below on 
the right. A rocky, low bluff commences on 
the left at 1 m. 20 ch. The lands rich on this 
bluff. A branch from the left, near the end 
of this distance. 

S. 75° W. 40ch. The bluff continued on the left and bottom on 

the right. Pine lands on the bluff at the end 
of this distance. A spring branch from the 
right at 10 chains. 

N. 75° W. 2 m. 10 ch. The bluff continues on the left and bottom 

on the right. The bluff is high, but appears 
to be good land intermixed with pine growth. 
A large creek from the right 5 chains above 
the end of this course and distance. A bluff 
commences at the creek and extends down the 
river on the right. 

This creek is erroneously placed on the 
left in the map, and could not well be altered 
without disfiguring it more than could be 
wished. 

S. 80° W. 20 ch. Along a handsome bluff on the right. Bottom 

on the left. 

S. 50° W. 60 ch. A spring near the commencement, on the right. 

The bluff continues on the right and bottom on 
the left. Passed to the right of an island at 
from 20 to 40 chains. The bluff high and piney 
at the end of this distance. For the last 
half mile it has been low and rich. A spring 
on the right, 10 chains above the end of this 
distance. 

South 1 m. 20 ch. High, pine lands on the right. Rich bottom 

on the left. The pine hill recedes from the 
river at 40 chains and leaves a narrow margin 
of bottom land, which widens in its descent 
and appears to extend across a bend on the 
right at the distance of 20 chains above the 
lower end of this distance. 



26 Smith College Studies in History 

S. 10° E. 30 ch. Bottom on both sides. A creek on the right 

at the commencement. 

S. 15°W. 40ch. Bottom on the right. High lands on the left 

mixed with pine, but appears good. The pine 
continues only this distance. 

S. 30° W. 2 m. 40 ch. Good, high lands on the left. Bottom on 

the right. A handsome creek from the left at 
1 m. 40 ch. Pine lands near the river at 2 
miles. A branch from the right at 1 m. 60 ch. 
A spring on the right, 15 chains above the end 
of this distance. 

S. 5° E. 30 ch. High, pine lands on the right. Bottom on the 

left. 

S. 20° E. 30 ch. Pine lands continued on the right, and bottom 

on the left. A small creek from the right. 

S. 45°E. 40ch. Pine lands continued on the right and bottom 

on the left. A creek from the right at 20 
chains. Lands better on right below the creek. 

S. 55° E. 2 m. 40 ch. High lands continue on the right and bottom 

on the left. The high lands descend to a rich 
bottom at 20 chains. Passed to the left of an 
island. A large improvement and corn field on 
the right. 

At the termination of this distance an ele- 
gant red bluff commences, and extends a con- 
siderable distance down the river on the left 
side. It is very level on the summit and is 
believed to contain from 100 to 150 acres of 
cleared land and appears to be the site of 
some old town or village. It is the hand- 
somest situation for a town of any to be found 
on the river, and is situated in the centre of 
an exceedingly rich body of lands lying above 
and below, on this river, and possessing also 
the advantage of a good boat navigation to 
and from Mobile. The lands on this bluff are 
pretty good, but thinly timbered. This site 
lies a few miles north of the 22° of North 
Latitude, in an excellent climate. No doubt 
can be entertained of the healthiness of this 
situation. It possesses the advantage of a hand- 
some view of the river, above and below, as 
well as that of overlooking a large bottom of 
rich lands on the opposite, or right, side of 
the river. 

South 1 m. 40 ch. Continued the whole of this distance alon-j 

the before-named Red Bluff. Passed to the 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 27 

right of an island from 1 m. 20 ch. to the end 

of the distance. Several springs at the end. 

A superb bottom on the right. 
S. 10° W. 30 ch. Lands high and rich on both sides. 

S. 45° W. 2 m. 40 ch. Lands high and rich on both sides, mixed with 

scattering pines on the right. 
S. 40° W. 1 m. 20 ch. Lands on both sides high and rich, mixed 

with a scattering pine growth. A spring to 

the right at 30 chains. 
S. 60° W. 40 ch. Rich lands on both sides. 

West 1 mile. Rich, high lands on both sides. A spring 

branch from the left at 40 chains and another 

on the same side at 60 chains. 
N. 65° W. 1 m. 20 ch. Lands more piney, but still good, on the left 

Excellent, rich lands on the right. A fine 

spring branch, or creek, on the left at the end 

of this distance. 

Encamped on the left bank on a superb tract 

of land, at 46 m. 40 ch. 

August 16. 
Proceeded at 20 m. after 5 o'clock A.AL 
N. 45° W. 3 miles. Excellent lands on both sides. A small creek 

from the left at 1 m. 60. ch. Another creek 

from the right at the end of this distance. 
North 1 mile. A low, rocky bluff of good land on the left 

and rich lands on the right. Passed an island 

at 40 chains. A spring branch from the left 

at 20 chains. 
N. 10° E. 2 miles. The bluff ends on the left and good lands on 

both sides continue. Shoal water at 40 chains. 

Another shoal at 1 m. 40 ch. to 2 miles, the 

left shore the deepest. A spring on the right 

near the end. 
N. 20° \V. 40 ch. High, pine lands on the right 40 chains from 

the river. Margin good. Rich lands on the 

left. 
N. 35° W. 40 ch. On the right lands continue the same as above. 

Rich lands continued on the left. A spring on 

the right near the end of this distance. 
N. 55° W. 40 ch. Lands on the right continue as above. Rich 

bottom on the left. 

N. 85° W. 1 m. 20 ch. Lands continue the same on the right, the pine 

lands receding from the river. 2 springs on 
the right, near the commencement. Good lands 
on the left, and also on both sides the last 
30 chains. 



28 Smith College Studies in History 

N. 85° W. 1 m. 40ch. Same course continued. Passed to the left of 

an island at 60 chains. Rocky banks on the 
left, opposite the island. Rich lands on both 
sides. A small creek from the right, near 
the end. 
S. 65° W. 40 ch. High, pine lands on the right for 30 chains, 

after which they are better. Good bottom on 
the left. 
S.35° W. 20ch. Along a handsome, low bluflf on the right, 

with rizing [sic] ground 100 yds. back from 
the river. Rich, high bottom on the left. 
S. 10° W. 1 mile. Bluflf continues on the right, with breaks of 

lower land the whole distance and covered with 
pine, back from the river. Excellent rich land 
on the left. 
S. 15° E. 1 m. 40 ch. Bluflf and high lands continued on the right. 

Good, high lands on the left. A good spring 
on the left at 20 chains, on the river bank. 
Good improvements on the same side, below 
the spring. The growth pine and other timber. 
A good creek from the right at 1 mile. 

South 2 miles. Rich bottom on the right and very good lands 

on the left. Bottom commences on the left 
at 40 chains, which lies high for the distance 
of 40 chains when it descends to lower land. 
Low and rich bottom on the right at 1 mile 
and continues the balance of this distance. A 
branch from the left at 1 m. 40 chains. 

S. 10° E. 2 m. 40 ch. Lands high and rich on the right, and low 

bottom on the left. A spring on the right 
near the beginning [sic]. Lands on the left 
rise higher in descending the river and continue 
as good. 

S. 5° W. 1 mile. Rich lands of tolerable height on the left. Rich 

bottom on the right. 

S. 15° W. 60 ch. Lands rich on both sides. Bottom lowest on 

the right. A creek from the left. 

S. 35° W. 40 ch. Prime lands on both sides. 

S. 60° W. 20 ch. Excellent lands on both sides. Rock-y shore 

and high lands at 10 chains. Spring on the 
left. 

N. 80° W. 60 ch. Hiy;h lands on the left, of indiflferent quality, 

mixed with pine and a rocky shore. Rich 
bottom on the right. Lands on the left, lower 
and rich the last 30 chains. 

S. 60° W. 40 ch. Rocky shore on the right, a part of this dis- 

tanc. Good lands on both sides. 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 29 

S. 35° W. 60 ch. Good lands on both sides, high on the left for 

half distance and mixed with pine and other 
growth. A branch from the right at 40 chains. 

S. 55° W. 1 m. 20 ch. High, rich lands on the left. Bottom low on 

the right for 50 chains, after which it is 
higher and contains a mixture of pine. It is, 
apparently, [sic] good farming land. A blufT 
on the right, near the end of this distance. 

S. 15° W. 1 mile. Along a rocky bluff on the right, covered with 

pine. Lands on the left rich and fine. 

S. 20° E. 1 mile. Bluff on the right continues 20 chains and 

good lands the balance of the distance. Rich 
bottom continued on the left. Passed to the 
left of an island from 30 chains nearly to the 
end of this distance. A large creek from the 
right, opposite the uper [sic] end of the island. 
This island is high, and is timbered near the 
lower end. 

S. 25° E. 1 m. 20 ch. Good lands on both sides. A narrow channel 

to the left of a shoal that extends from the 
lower end of the above island. Lands on 
the right apper [sic] high, a small distance 
from the river, containing a mixture of pine 
growth. A rocky bluff on the right the last 
20 chains. 

S. 50° E. 1 m. 20 ch. Bluff continued on the right and bottom on 

the left. The lands to the right are lower 
the last half of this distance. An improvement 
on the left. 

S. 85° E. 20 ch. A bluff on the right and bottom on the left. 

N. 85° E. 1 m. 60ch. Bluff continued on the right. Passed an island 

from 30 to 50 chains. Bluff ends 20 chains 
and good lands commence. Prime lands on the 
left. 

S. 80° E. 1 mile. Prime lands on both sides. A fine spring 

on the right at 60 chains. Rocky banks on 
ye right. 

East 40 ch. Good lands on both sides. The lands on the 

left, immediately above this, appear to be one 
entire large bend, containing from 20 to 30,000 
acres, the greater part (if not the whole) of 
which, from every appearance, may be said to 
be a body of prime lands, equal to any, of the 
same extent, in the United States, or in the 
known world. 



30 



Smith College Studies in History 



S. 70° E. 1 m. 40 ch. 



South 1 m. 40 ch. 



S. 35° W. 40 ch. 



South 40 ch. 



S.35°E.60ch. 



S. 70° E. 2 miles. 



S. 30° E. 40 ch. 

S. 5° W. 20 ch. 
S. 40° W. 20 ch. 

S. 65° W. 20 ch. 
West 1 m. 40 ch. 



Good lands on both sides. Best on the right. 
Bottom high on the left. A spring branch 
from the left at 20 chains. The bottom on 
the left extends from 100 to 120 yards back 
from the river to the high lands before named. 
Passed to the right of an island at about 1 
mile. An old improvement on the right, oppo- 
site the island. 

Improvement continues on the right. A bluff 
of rock on the left containing high lands mixed 
with pine growth. Bottom on the right. Passed 
to the right of an island which commences 
at half, and continues nearly the whole of the 
balance of this distance. Good lands to the 
left the last 50 chains. The bluff continued 
with good lands. 

Good lands on both sides. A rocky bluff on 
the right near the end. Lands descend to a 
good bottom on the left. 

A rocky bluff and good lands continued on the 
right and bottom on the left. A prime spring, 
or creek, in the bluff on the right, near the 
end of this distance. 

Bluff and good lands continued on the right 
and bottom on the left. Lands thin on the 
right the last 40 chains. 

A bkiff of thin pine lands continued on the 
right, affording a handsome situation, but poor. 
Rich lands on the left. A fine spring on 
the left, 300 yards above the end of this 
course. 

Good lands on both sides. Rocky banks con- 
tinued on the left. A large creek from the 
left. 

The lands on the left high, below the creek. 
Rich on the right. 

To the uper [sic] end of a high bluff of poor, 
pine lands on the left. Rich bottom on the 
right. A spring branch on the left at the 
commencement. 

Along the bluff on the left. Rich bottom 
on the right. This bluff is about 80 feet 
high. 

Bluff continued on the left and rich bottom 
on the right. Passed to the right of an island. 
2 springs on the left. 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 31 

N. 60° W. 1 mile. A spring on the left at the beginning [sic]. 

Passed to the right of an island. Prime lands 
on both sides. 

N. 30° W. 20 ch. Good lands on both sides. 3 springs near each 

other on the right. 

N. 70° W. 2 miles. Good lands on both sides. 

N. 55°\V. 1 m. 40 ch. Good lands on both sides. Passed to the right 

of a large island at 40 chains. A handsome 
bluflf of rich lands on the right, opposite the 
lower end of the island. High, pine bluflf on 
the right for 30 chains near the end of this 
distance. A spring branch from the right at 
60 chains. 

N. 80° W. 20 ch. Pine lands continued on the right and good 

lands on the left. 

S. 85° W. 1 mile. Pine lands ended on the right, at a branch 20 

chains from the commencement. Good lands 
from thence, on both sides. 

S. 35° W. 1 m. 40ch. Good lands on both sides with rocky banks 

on the right. A branch from the right at 30 
chains. A spring branch from the left 40 
chains above the end of this distance. 

S. 75° W. 1 m.60ch. Lands good on both sides. A spring on the 

left at 40 chains. A creek from the right at 
1 m. 20 ch. 3 springs on the left, opposite 
the creek. High lands, mixed with pine, on 
the right, the last 20 chains. A spring at 
the uper [sic] end of the hill on the right. 

S. 45° W. 20 ch. Along a poor, pine bluff on the right with a 

spring. Good lands on the left. 

S. 15° W. 20ch. Bluff continued on the right and good lands 

on the left. 

S. 10° E. 1 m. 40ch. The bluflf ends on the right, and high lands 

of better quality succeeds [sic]. Bottom on 
the left and a spring at 60 chains. Another 
spring on the left at 1 m. 20. chains. 

S. 20° W. 1 m. 40 ch. A rocky bank on the left and good lands on 

both sides. A branch from the right at 1 
mile. 

S. 5° W. 2 m. 40 ch. Good lands on both sides. Passed to the right 

of an island at from 40 to 60 chains. A 
creek from the right, opposite the lower end 
of the island. Passed to the right of another 
island from 1 m. 20 ch. to 1 m. 60 chains. En- 
camped on the left bank at 58 miles. 



32 Smith College Studies in History 

August 17. 

Proceeded at 5 o'clock A.M. 

S. 10° E. 40 ch. Good lands on both sides. 

S. 30° E. 40 ch. Good lands on the left, and high, pine lands 

on the right. 

S. 75°E. 20ch. High lands on the right and bottom on the 

left. 

East 1 m. 20 ch. High on the right for a short distance and 

then descends gradually to rich bottom. Good 
bottom lands on the left. 

S. 70° E. 2 miles. Prime lands on both sides. 

S. 50° E. 1 mile. To a high, handsome red bluff on the right. 

Good lands on both sides, to the uper [sic] 
end of the bluff. Passed to the right of an 
island at 20 to 40 chains, a part timbered and 
rich. Lands high on the right, opposite the 
timbered part of the island, and a good spring 
20 chains above the bluff. Rich lands on the 
left. 

S. 85° E. 4 miles. Alon [sic] the right hand bluff, which con- 

tains thin, level land, covered with pine growth 
and banks 80 feet high. Rich bottom on the 
left. Good lands commence on the right at 
20 chains (where the bluff ends) and continues 
to the end of this distance. A fine spring on 
the right at 30 chains. The large bend above 
this, on the left, contains a superb body of 
excellent bottom and high lands. 

S. 65° E. 40 ch. The lands on the left rise to a bluff with rocky 

banks and growth of pine. On the right lies 
a rich tract of bottom land. A large creek 
from the left at 20 chains. The bluff increases 
in height below the creek. 

S. 35°E. 30ch. A high, broken bluff of uneven land on the 

left, covered with pine and other growths. 
Rich bottom on the right. A large creek from 
the left near the commencement of this course 
and distance. 

South 40 ch. High, pine lands continued on the left, and rich 

bottom on the right. 

S. 20° W. 2 miles. Bottom continued on the right. Lands lower 

on the left end descend gradually to a bottom 
at about 1 mile. Lands rise on the right at 
1 m. 40 ch. and continue high and rich to the 
end of this distance. 

S. 10°W. 2mi. lOch. Passed to the left of an island at 1 m. 40 

ch. 4 springs on the right, near the begining 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 33 

[sic]. Prime, rich, bottom lands on both 
sides. A spring branch from the left 30 cli. 
above the island. 

S. 30° W. 20 ch. A rocky bluff on the left and good bottom on 

the right. 

S. 45° W. 1 m. 20ch. lUuff continued on the left and bottom on the 

right. Good lands on the bluff. 2 springs on 
the left at 40 ch. and a branch on the right, 
nearly opposite. 

S. 60° W. 1 mile. Ricli, high lands on the left and bottom on the 

right. Rocky banks on the left, and a branch 
at 60 chains. 

S. 75° W. 1 mile. To the uper [sic] end of a large, timbered 

island. Bottom lands on both sides. A branch 
to the right at 60 chains. 

S. 85°W. 1 mi. 20ch. Passed to the right of the large, timbered 

island. There is but little water to the left 
of this island. The main channel is on the 
right and about 50 yds. wide. A bluff on the 
left, opposite the island. The whole distance 
is good lands on both sides. The timbered 
lands on this island is rich and lies high. A 
very old, small improvement is discovered on 
this island. 

The aforementioned island has gained some 
notice from the circumstance of Lt. Col. Ben- 
ton of the 39th Infantry having discovered, on 
this island, in May last (when descending from 
Fort Jackson with a part of that Regiment) 
a considerable number of Indians, men. women 
and children, supposed to belong to the war 
part, under the Chief McQueen, then on their 
way to Pensacola, and the more extraordinary 
circumstance of his suffering them to escape 
by a deception practiced on him, under the 
pretense of being then on their way to sur- 
render themselves at Fort Claibourne, where 
the [sic] promised to meet him on the next 
day. Since that time they have not been seen 
or heard of, except with Captain Woodbine's 
Collection, rendezvoused at Pensacola.^ A 



^ Thomas Hart Benton, later a distinguished senator, had recently 
quarreled with Jackson. This paragraph reflects Tatum's sympathy with 
Jackson in that affair. During the New Orleans campaign Benton was 
kept on the frontier service northeast of Mobile. Captain George Woodbine, 
of the Britsh Army, had organized a body of Indians in Pensacola and was 
training them for service. See Bassett, Life of Andrezv Jackson, passim. 



34 Smith College Studies in History 

S. 55° W. 1 mile. fine bottom on the right. Island continued 

on the left. The lands on the left shore, south 
of the island, are rich bottom. The island 
ends at 40 chains on this course. A small 
creek and bluff on the right, 10 ch. above the 
lower end of this island. The bluff continues 
to the end of this course and distance. The 
bluff contains pine, on its summit, and a fine 
spring at the end of this distance. 

S. 10° W. 2 miles. High, pine lands on the right. Very rich 

bottom on the left. The high lands recede 
gradually from the river, on the right, and 
bottom commences at 20 ch. A branch from 
the right at 60 ch. 

S. 45° W. 20 ch. High lands on the left, mixed v/ith pine growth. 

Good bottom lands on the right. 
S. 70 W. 2 m. 40 ch. High, rich lands on the left and prime bot- 

tom on the right. A spring branch from the 
left at 20 ch. Another at 1 m. 20 ch. A 
branch on the right at 60 ch. Another spring 
on the left at 1 m. 40 ch. An improvement 
on the right at 1 m. 60 ch. Another at 2 
miles. A spring branch from the right, a 
small distance below the improvement. A 
third improvement on the right, near the end 
of this distance. 

S. 45° W. 20 ch. Good lands on both sides. 

S. 10° W. 1 m. 60 ch. Excellent lands on both sides, to a handsome 

bluff on the right. A creek from the right. 

S. 45° E. 2 m. 20ch. Bluff continued on the right 20 ch. Passed 

to the left of an island at from 40 ch. to 1 m. 
and 10 ch. Bottom on the left. Bottom on 
the right, below the bluff. A spring on the 
left near the end. 

S. 15° E. 20ch. Prime lands on both sides. 

S. 10° E. 2 m. 40ch. Prime lands on both sides. A very ancient 

improvement on the right at 1 mile. A creek 
from the left at the same distance. The lands 
on the right lie high, very rich and scarce of 
timber, supposed to be the effect of very ancient 
cultivation. This description of land extends a 
considerable distance. 

S. 20° E. 1 m. 20 ch. Good lands on the right, near the river, and 

high and piney at a short distance back from 
thence. Excellent lands on the left. A branch 
from the right at 1 mile. Another small branch 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 



35 



S.35°E. 20ch. 
S. 60° E. 3 miles. 



S. 20° E. 20 ch. 
South 1 mile. 



S. 10° W. 40 ch. 



S. 35° 20 ch. 



S. 60° W. 20 ch. 



West 30 ch. 
N. 55 W. 60 ch. 



from the right, near the end of this course 
and distance. 

Good lands on both sides. A bottom on the 
left and spring branch from the right. 
2 springs on the right at 6 ch. High lands 
on the right, near the river. Bottom on the 
left with rich, high lands near the lower end. 
High lands terminate at 1 mile and bottom 
commences. Passed the mouth of a large creek 
from the left, called Big Limestone, or Uper 
[sic] Limestone. It is the largest of 2 creeks of 
that name. This creek is named wrong on 
the map. It is there called Little Limestone. 
Good lands on both sides. Rocky banks on 
the left. 

The lands continue good on both sides. Passed 
the mouth of Lower Limestone, from the left, 
at 20 ch. above the end of this distance. 

This is called Big Limestone, by mistake, on 
the map. 

Lands high and covered with pine on the left. 
Rich bottom on the right, and a spring on 
each side, within this distance. 
A high bluff of poor, pine land on the left 
and rich bottom on the right. A spring on 
the left. 

To Fort Claibourne, situated on the Alabama 
heights, on a bluff of pine lands, 150 feet, 
perpendicular, above the common tide. It is 
an eligible situation, on the left bank of the 
river, and overlooks an extence [sic] tract of 
bottom lands, on the opposite shore. A spring 
on the left, under the fort and near the water 
edge. There is another good spring a little 
below and on the top of the bluff, which 
affords water to the garrison. 
Bluff continues on the left, poor and descend- 
ing. Rich bottom continued on the right. 
Bluff still continues to decrease in its height 
and still poor. The bottom on the right largely 
improved. Landed on the left bank, at John 
Weather ford's ferry, near the termination of 
the bluff, at 45 minutes after 3 o'clock P.M. 
and encamped for tlie night at 41 m. 20 chains. 
Note. — The road of communication between 
Fort St. Stephens, on the Tom-big-by river, 
and the State of Georgia crosses at this ferry, 



36 Smith College Studies in History 

and unites with the Federal road from Fort 
Stoddard at the distance of some 20 miles 
eastwardly from hence. Fort St. Stephens is 
about 40 miles, by the road, nearly west from 
this place. There is a pathway from hence 
to Mimms's ferry, say 40 miles, and another 
by which waggons [sic] and carriages travel 
to the same place, which is called 60 miles. 
It is called by some, much nearer than 40 miles 
to go the near way. For my own part I am 
(since descending to that place) clearly of 
opinion it must be 40 miles at least, or my 
courses and distances very incorrect. From 
Mimms's ferry it is called 14 miles to Fort 
Stoddard. It is from 110 to 120 miles (the 
traveling way) from hence to Fort Jackson. 

Fort Claibourne is a strong built stockade, 
nearly square. On the centre of three squares 
are built blockhouses which have the effect of 
salient angles, or basteans, from the manner 
in which they are erected. There is also one 
of these, built in the line of an irregular 
offset in this work, made for the purpose of 
avoiding the inclosure of part of a ravine. 
Good quarters are erected within the fort, 
sufficient to contain one company, and also store 
houses for the Qrmasters and contractors de- 
partments. 

The ferry is the property of John Weather- 
ford, a friendly and active half-breed Creek 
Indian. He is nephew to Alexr. AIcGilvery 
and brother to the noted William Weather- 
ford, who commanded at the destruction of 
Fort Mimms. 

August 18th. 

Proceeded at 40 m. after 10 o'clock AM. 

N. 60° W. 30 ch. John Weatherford's improvement, on the left, 

commences at the ferry and includes part of 
an excellent piece of bottom land. The im- 
proved lands, opposite, are also claimed by 
him. The improvement on the right is backed 
by a swamp through which runs two creeks 
which enter the river below said improvement. 

N. 85°W. 60ch. A bluff commences on the right at 40 ch. The 

improvement on the right ends at 30 ch., below 
which, and above the bluff, 2 small creeks, one 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 37 

at 35 and the other at 40 ch. On the bluff 
is an improvement, made and occupied by a 
Mr. Jones, near which is a fine spring. A fine 
bottom on the left. 

N.60° W. 40 ch. The bluff continued on the right and bottom on 

the left. This bluff contains handsome farm- 
ing land, but not very rich. Growth, pine, 
hickory and oak. 

S. 45° W. 2 m. 40ch. Bottom continued on the left. The bluff on 

the right ends at a short distance and pine, 
hickory and oak lands continue. A short dis- 
tance below the commencement of this course 
the lands on the left rise higher and become 
a high, rich up-land, intermixed with a few 
pine. At 60 ch. the lands on the right descend 
to a rich, high land of the same description of 
that on the left side. 

S. 40° W. 40 ch. Good lands on both sides. Bottom on the right 

and high lands on the left. A spring branch 
from the left, near the end of this distance. 

S. 60° W. 1 mile. High, oak, hickory and pine land on the left. 

Oak and hickory bottom on the right. A spring 
on the left, near the beginning [sic]. A creek 
from the right at 25 ch. Lands on the left, 
lower below the creek, and without pine, and 
descends to rich bottom lower down. 

S. 20° W. 30 ch. The lands on both sides, as represented above. 

A spring branch from the right. 

S. 60° E. 1 m. 40 ch. Lands on the right rise to a bluff at 20 ch., 

of tolerable good quality. Bottom continues on 
the left. Passed to the left of a small island. 
A large creek from the right, near the end of 
this distance. 

S. 70° E. 3 miles. High lands on the right and bottom on the 

left. Bottom on both sides from the end of 
40 ch. A creek from the left at 2 miles. An- 
other creek from the left at the end, say 3 
miles, and an improvement on both sides. 

S. 50° W. 40 ch. A bluff of good lands on the left. Bottom on 

the right. A fine spring branch from the left 
at 20 chains. 

South 1 mile. A high bluff on the left and a prime bottom, 

containing 3 improvements, on the right. 

S. 10° W. 2 m. 40ch. A high, poor bluff continued on the left. A 

rich bottom and improvement on the right. 
The bluff on the left ends at 40 ch. and is 
succeeded by rich bottom, an improvement on 



38 Smith College Studies in History 

each side belonging to Peter Randon, a friendly 
active half breed Indian. The improvements 
are large and on excellent land. That on the 
right is the largest and contains, at least, 100 
acres. These improvements are about 1 mih- 
below the commencement of this course and 
distance. 

S. 40° W. 2 m. 40 ch. The lands excellent on both sides. A large 

creek from the left at 20 ch. A spring branch 
from the left at 2 miles. 

S. 30° W. 50 ch. Prime, rich bottom lands on both sides. That 

on the left very low and, probably, swamp. A 
creek, or bayou, from the left. 

S. 60° W. 1 m. 20 ch. Improvements on the right. Lands on both 

sides as represented in the last course. This 
improvement is on a superb tract of land. A 
small creek from the left at 50 ch. An elegant 
tract of land on the left, below the creek, 
containing a small improvement at a good boat 
landing. The improvement on the right is said 
to have belonged to Dixon Bailey, a friendly 
half-breed chief, who fell, fighting bravely in 
defence of Fort Alimms. It is a large im- 
provement and extends on part of the ne::v 
course. It is now claimed by his two sisters, 
one single and the other married to a white man 
by the name of Sizemore. 

S. 85° W. 1 mile. Prime lands continue on both sides. A creek 

from the left at 40 chains. 

S. 60° W. 1 m. 40 ch. An old improvement on the right at 25 ch. 

Prime lands on both sides. Passed to the 
right of an island. A creek from the left at 
40 ch. Another creek from the right near 
the termination of this course and distance. 

S. 70° \V. 2 mi. 40 ch. A narrov.' bottom on the right, bounded by a 

high bluff of poor, pine land. Good bottom 
and improvement, on the left, near the begin- 
ing [.yrc].A creek from the right, and the 
bottom widens on that side, below the creek. 

S. 40° W. 60 ch. And [sic] old improvement on the left. En- 

camped at a large plantation on the right 
at the distance (this day) of 23 miles 60 
chains. 

August 19th. 

Proceeded at 5 o'clock A. M. 

S. 40° W. contd. 1 m. 20 ch. Plantation on the right continued, on a rich 

and valuable tract of land, bottom. Rich bot- 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 39 

torn also on the left. The plantation ends 
at 30 ch. 

S. 75° W. 60 ch. Rich lands on both sides. An improvement on 

the left at the commencement. A small im- 
provement on the right, opposite the lower end 
of the former. 

S. 35° W. 40 ch. Bottom on both sides, with pine lands on the 

right, at the distance of 20 ch. from the river. 
An improvement on the left at 20 ch., belong- 
ing to Sizemore, a white man, married to the 
sister of Dixon Bailey, as before stated. The 
bottom on the right widens in descending the 
river, on the next course. Another improve- 
ment on the left, belonging to the same Size- 
more. He has another on the right, which is 
his principal plantation. 

S. 20° W. 1 m. 40 ch. Improvement on the left continued. Rich bot- 

tom on both sides. A small branch from the 
right. 

S. 40° W. 1 mile. An improvement on the right at the commence- 

ment. Rich lands on both sides. 

South 20 ch. Rich lands on both sides. 

S. 10° E. 2 m. 20ch. Rich lands on both sides. A valuable plantation 

on the right at 1 m. 40 ch. belonging to a Mrs. 
Dyer, a half-breed Indian woman of the 
friendly party 

S. 30° W. 40 ch. Rich lands and another plantation on the right. 

Valuable lands on both sides, and a handsome 
low bluff on the left. 

S. 55° W. 1 mile. A plantation on the left at from 20 to 30 ch. 

Passed to the right of an island, opposite the 
plantation. Lands rich on both sides. A large 
creek from the left 10 ch. below the commence- 
ment. Passed close to the left shore. A bad 
shoal at the upcr [sic] end of the island, and 
in the right hand passage. Improvement on 
the right. 

N. 65° W. 60 ch Rich bottom on both sides. 

N. 25° \\'. 40 ch. To a beautiful bluff of rich and valuable lands 

and an improvement, on the left. Rich lands 
on both sides. The lowest bottom on the 
right. 

N. 5° W. 60 ch. Rich bottom on both sides. Improvement con- 

tinued on the left. 



40 Smith College Studies in History 

N. 45° W. 40ch. A value [sic] improvement on the right from 

20 to 30 ch. below. A sand beach on the 
left. Keep close to the right hand shore. 

S. 65° W. 40 ch. To the Chawtaw BluflF on the right. This is 

a handsome bluff of level pine lands, and con- 
tains a small improvement. Rich bottom on 
the left. A branch on the right at 20 ch. 
Improvement above the branch. 

S. 5° W. 1 mile. A large improvement on the left. A spring on 

the bluff, on the right. A small improvement 
on the left at 60 chains. 

S. 55° W. 2 miles. An old improvement on the left, at the begin- 

ing [sic]. Another on the right at 20 ch. 
Improvements and good high bottom land com- 
mences 1 m. 40 ch. on a handsome low bluff, 
affording a good situation for a settlement on 
the right. An old improvement on the left 60 
ch. above the termination of this distance. A 
large creek from the right at 1 mile. Bottom 
on the left. 

South 1 m. 20 ch. An old improvement on the left. An improve- 

ment on the right, from 60 ch. to the end of 
this course and distance. , 

S. 45° E. 1 mile. Along a handsome bluff of rich land on the 

right. The bluff may be said to contain high, 
bottom land. It includes and [sic] old im- 
provement near the uper [sic] end which 
shews the same appearance to the end of this 
course and distance. Good bottom land on 
the left. 

East 1 m. 40 ch. An improvement on the right, on the above 

bluff continued. It is at the begining [sic] 
of this course. Another on the same side 40 
ch. lower down and on the same bluff. Low 
bottom on the left. Passed the mouth of a 
small lake at 1 m. 20 ch. It enters from the 
left. 

South 20 ch. Bottom lands on both sides. Passed the mouth 

of Little River from the left. 

S. 70° W. 1 mile. The improvements of Samuel ?vlanack, an ac- 

tive friendly half-breed Indian, lies on both 
sides, at the commencement of this course. 
Good lands on both sides the whole distance. 

S. 85°W. 60ch. Rich bottom on both sides. An old improve- 

ment on the left at the lower end of this 
distance. 

N. 45° W. 1 m. 20 ch. Rich bottom on both sides. 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 41 

N. 35° W. 40 ch. Low rich bottom on both sides. 

West 20 ch. A sharp, low point on the left. High bottom 

lands on the right. 

S. 25 W. 40 ch. Low point continued on the left. Lands higher 

on the right. It is a low, handsome bluflf 
of open lands of good quality on its summit. 

S. 45° E. 2 m. 60cli. Lands higher on the left, but still low and 

swampy. A handsome improvement on the 
right at 30 ch. An improvement on the right 
at 2 miles. A large plantation on the left 
commencing at the end of this course and 
distance. This last improvement belongs to 
David Tait, a pretended friendly half-breed 
Indian, nephew to the late Alexander McGil- 
very, and half brother to William and John 
Weatherford. John is a staunch friend of the 
whites and has been actively engaged on their 
behalf during the Creek War. William is that 
noted, daring chief of the war-party that com- 
manded at the destruction of Mimms's Fort, 
and Tait is strongly suspected of pretended 
freindship, only in order to cover the extensive 
property of himself and William. He has 
never (with all his friendship) been known to 
turn out base, or use his influence in any man- 
ner, to surpass, or repel, the aggressions of 
the war-party either in its commencement, or 
since. 

South 40 ch. Tait's plantation continued on the left. Rich 

bottom on both sides. 

S. 50° W. 1 mile. An improvement on the left at 20 ch. Bottom 

on both sides. 

N. 80° W. 1 m. 60 ch. Excellent lands on both sides, open and cainey 

on the left. Thick woods and low on the 
right. 

S. 45° W. 40 ch. A handsome, rich blufT of level, high bottom 

lands on the right. Low and (supposed) 
swampy on the left. The margin on the right 
open and cainey. 

S. 10° W. 1 mile. Open, rich lands on the right, resembling old 

improvements. The low blufif continued. Low 
swamp lands on the left. A creek from the 
left near the end of this course. 

S. 85° W. 1 m. 40 ch. The lands on the left are rich and lie well. Low 

swampy lands on the right. A large creek 
from the right at 1 m. 20 ch. 



42 



Smith College Studies in History 



South 30 ch. 
S.45°E.50ch. 
S. 15°W.40ch. 

S. 30 E. 2 miles. 



S. 20° W. 20 ch. 
S.85°W.20ch. 



N.45° W. lm.40ch. 
West 40 ch. 

S. 45° W. 40 ch. 
S. 10° W.40ch. 
S. 30° E. 60 ch. 

S. 60° E. 1 mile. 



South 40 ch. 
S. 50° W. 20 ch. 
N.80°\V.40ch. 
N.35°W.40ch. 

S. 60° W. 40 ch. 



A bluflf and high bottom on the right. Swamp 
again on the left. 

Bluff and high bottom on the right, and swamp 
on the left, continued. 

A bluff on the left having the appearance of 
an old improvement. Low lands at the point 
on the right, and then rises to a bluff of good 
lands at 20 chains. 

Low and swampy on the left. A low bluff 
and good lands on the right. Good lands com- 
mence on the left at 1 m. 40 ch. and low bot- 
tom commences on the right at the same dis- 
tance. A large plantation on the left at the 
end of this course. An old improvement oppo- 
site, on the right. 

Plantation continued on the left and low bottom 
on the right. 

Plantation continued on the left and low bot- 
tom on the right. The river, which has been 
from 250 to 300 yds. wide from hence to 
Fort Claibourne, is here narrowed to about 
120 yds. 

Low bottom on the right. High and rich on 
the left. 

Bottom high on the right and low on the 
left. 

Lands continued as last mentioned. 
Lands low and flat on both sides. 
An old improvement and high bottom on the 
right. Low on the left. 

A plantation on the right, belonging to a Mrs. 
Dunn, a half-breed woman of the friendly 
party. It commences at the begining [sic] of 
this course and extends nearly the whole dis- 
tance. Low bottom on both sides nearly the 
whole of this course and distance. 
Bottom higher on the left and low on the 
right. 

Lands continue the same as on last course. An 
old improvement on the left. 
Lands continue on both sides, as above. An- 
other old improvement on the left. 
Improvement continued on the left. Low bot- 
tom on right. This old improvement has the 
appearance of a Cain-Prarie. 
Lands low on both sides. 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 43 

S. 10° 60 ch. Bottom highest on the right. Swamp on the 

left. 

S. 15°E. 30ch. Lands cnntinnc as last stated. 

S. 45° W. 70ch. A bluff and bottom containing a large old field, 

on the left. Low on the right. The course 
and distance ends at the mouth of the cut-off, 
at 46 miles and 20 chains, and 350 m. 40 ch. 
below the junction of the Coosa and Talla- 
poosa, and 357 miles below Fort Jackson. 

At this place the Creek boundary line crosses the Alabama 
river (either from the East or South, I could not learn which) 
and enters the cut-off. It continues down the meanders of the 
cut-off to a point formerly agreed upon as a corner by the Creeks 
and Choctaws, from whence a dividing line was agreed upon be- 
tween those nations, and which line, in part, since the Choctaw 
cession of 1805, has been run and marked as the dividing line be- 
tween the Creek Nation and the United States, the courses and 
distances whereof is [sic] unknown to me. The Creek Nation, 
previous to the 9th instant, claimed all the lands lying to the East 
and North of that line, to where the northern boundary line 
crossed the Tom-big-by river, thence up that river to the Chicka- 
saw line, thence eastwardly by various boundaries, to the line 
dividing that nation from the lands heretofore ceeded [sic] for 
the benefit of the State of Georgia. Their eastern and southern 
boundaries, as formerly claimed, are so hidden in obscurity that 
it is impossible, almost, to obtain a correct knowledge of them. It 
is sufficient, however, to state that the Treaty of the Ninth, 
when carried into effect, and its bounds are ascertained by the nec- 
essary survey, will enable me at some future day to shew, cor- 
rectly, the situation of the claims of that Nation remaining within 
the bounds of the United States.^ This will be done as soon as 
practicable, and a map thereof forwarded to the Department of 
War. 

The cut-off is a small fork of the Alabama river, which breaks 
out of that river on the western side, and runs by various courses, 
into the Tom-big-by river at Carsons ferry, where the road crosses, 



' The treaty of Fort Jackson, August 9. 1814, is here referred to. 



44 Smith College Studies in History 

leading from Fort Stoddard to Georgia, commonly called the Fed- 
eral Road. This ferry is stated to be about 8 miles above sd. Fort. 
From Carsons ferry the road runs through an island of consider- 
able length, lying within an obtuse triangle made by the two rivers 
and cut-off, before named. It is seven miles eastwardly, on the 
road to Mimm's ferry, at which the said road crosses the Alabama 
river. The cut-off breaks out of the river nearly three miles above 
the ferry. From the ferry to Fort Mimms is about 1 m. 20 chains, 
nearly east, and also, near the Federal Road. From the Fort to 
the cut-off is about 3 miles, nearly north. 

Having arrived at the cut-off, between sun set and dark, and 
the Commanding General having determined to descend the river 
by night, it became impracticable to continue the survey, it there- 
fore ceased at that point. It was, at the same time, considered 
that a further survey would be of little importance, as this was 
a noted point and could be easily and conveniently attached to 
the surveys of the Mobile, Tombigby, and Cut-off and Alabama, 
made by that, correct officer, General E. P. Gaines, and which 
was understood to be in the possession of the Department of War, 
long since. 

From the rapid mode of descending the Alabama no other 
mode could be devised for measuring the course, than to estimate 
the distance by the eye. They are therefore (most likely) 
overated, as objects on a narrow water course always appears to 
be more distant than they really are. I am strongly inclined to 
believe in this distance, the difference of latitude between the com- 
mencement and end of this survey too great, and proves that my 
apprehension is well founded. The difference of latitude found 
on this survey is 127 m. 62 ch. 40 links. Believing Fort Jackson 
(about 2 miles north of the junction of Coosa and Tallapoosa) 
to be nearly in the degree of 32° 40 m. the distance (land measure) 
from thence to the southern boundary line on the 31 degree is 
115 m. 6-10 or thereabouts. It is 18 or 20 m. south, from the cut- 
off to the 31st degree of latitude, which is to be added to the 127 
m. 62 ch. 40 1. and also 2 m. north to Fort Jackson, making in all, 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 45 

at least 149 m. 62 ch. 40 links, from which deduct 115 m. 48 ch., 
leaves a diiterence of 33-14-40 or thereabouts, error in difference 
of latitude, between the junction aforesaid and the cut-off. It is 
possible Fort Jackson may be further north than has been calcu- 
lated on, which will correct a part of this calculation, but it is evi- 
dent to me that the difference will still be too great. Probably 
in running the lines of the late Treaty, a base may be obtained 
that will enable me to correct this error, as no doubt the sur- 
veyor of those lines, will have the proper instruments for ascer- 
taining the latitude of different prominent points, and which I was 
not furnished with at the time of making this survey. I think it 
probable the line of departure (say So. Z7° West) will be found 
to be more correct, as the westefn courses were generally shorter 
than those of South, So. Eastwardly, or Southwardly, that is, be- 
tween the So. and So. Et. and the So. and So. Wt. points. The 
between a line due south and the cut-off, or more properly the 
difference between a line due south and the cut-off, or more prop- 
erly the line of departure gives a distance of 96 m. 23 ch. 32 links 
west from the junction of the Coosa and Tallapoosa. 

The only advantage to be derived from the map of this river 
is that, it shews nearly, the true course and various meanders of 
this celebrated outlet for the valuable products of a fine country 
shortly to be placed in a state of prosperous cultivation, in a more 
correct point of view, than any that has heretofore appeared. The 
accompanying notes shew the quality of the lands bordering there- 
on, and its various tributary streams, with the sites of the Indian 
Towns, plantations or villages, &c., and navigation thereof from 
Fort Jackson to the cut-off. It is also shown by those notes that 
there are vast quantities of most excellent bottom and high lands 
bordering on this river throughout its whole distance. To what 
distance back from the river those valuable lands extend I could 
not. from the partial view I had of them, undertake to say, or even 
to risque an opinion that I could believe correct, from any in- 
formation received from others. I have no doubt, however, that 
in many places, on both sides, those are extensive bodies of Prime 



46 Smith College Studies in History 

lands, capable of affording a considerable number of valuable set- 
tlements. 

The rich lands, on the sides of the river, are far superior to any 
I have ever seen in any country, and I have no doubt will prove 
a source of immence wealth to those who may hereafter be doomed 
[to be] the cultivators. 

The Cau-hau-ha river represented as entering from the north, 
is spoken of by General Johnson, Captain Gordon and many other 
respectable persons (good judges of land) who were in service in 
the Creek campaign, and who were detached to scour that part of 
the country, as being one of the most beautiful small rivers they 
had seen. That at the places where they saw this river, it appeared 
to be from 40 to 50 yards wide, and was probably capable of being 
navigated at some particular seasons, or state of the water. That 
it abounds with beautiful springs and creeks which feeds the prin- 
cipal stream. That these creeks are also abundantly supplied with 
excellent seats for water works of, almost, any kind. That they 
are constant & flush runing creeks at all seasons. The lands they 
describe as very desirable, in fact, with those Gentlemen, it is the 
Acadia of America. 

Col. Gilbert C. Russel of the 3d Infantry, and the officers who 
accompanied him on an excursion up the west side of this river, 
from the Alabama heights, in the course of last winter, give nearly 
the description of the western side, as the Gentlemen before named, 
have done of the eastern, which, alone, was seen by them. Its 
waters are represented to be Limestone, or a mixture of Lime & 
Free-stone, of course, pure & healthy. 

The lands of farming quality on the Cau-hau-ha and Alabama 
rivers are capable of producing, in great abundance, every article 
necessary to the sustenance of man, or beast, which are common 
to lands lying between the 31st & 34th° of Latitude North of the 
Equator. It is, in point of soil and climate, well adapted to the 
growth cotton, Hemp & flax and, in many parts, would produce 
good Tobacco. The cultivation of this country has hitherto been 
confined entirely to growth of corn, beans, peas, melons, and the 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 47 

various kinds of vines common to savage life, all of which flourish 
well in this interesting country. Wheat is stated to flourish well 
between the 33 & 34° of Latitude, and I have no doubt it would as 
far south as 32d°. There are large tracts of Pine Barren lands 
within the bounds of the cession. These afford excellent range 
for Black Cattle. The Pine, excepting for timber, in most parts 
of the uper quarter of this country would be of but little use. Those 
lower down might be rendered profitable to the owner who would 
give themselves the trouble of extracting the Tar & Turpentine. 
The Pine is of the kind called Long-leaf — the kind most productive 
in those articles. 

The Alabama river can be navigated with large keel boats, 
with tolerable ease and expedition, from the time the fall rains 
set in, until about the month of May or June, after which they be- 
come low & shallow, and are much incommoded (both in ascend- 
ing and descending) by a variety of shoals, the most prominent 
of which are stated in the foregoing notes. The Islands are also 
an inconvenience in low water, in ascending, as the sluices become 
very rapid in that state of the waters, and essentially retard the 
progress of the navigator. Yet with all these inconveniences, I 
think it may be justly said that taking the whole of the ceded Ter- 
ritory lying north & west of the Coosa & Alabama rivers, and 
aeain, from the Big-Falls, or We-tom-ha — east & south to the 
O-fue-she creek and up that creek to the point of departure, thence 
a direct line to the cut-off, or to Fort Mims, taking that part lying 
north & west of this last mentioned boundary & south of the 
Alabama, including also, both sides of the Tallapoosa, is a section 
of country which comprehends as many advantageous situations 
for the encouragement of the Industrious Farmer, as any known of 
in the western parts of the United States, lying as far from the 
Atlantic ports, and I have no doubt, from the temperature of the 
climate which promises health to the settler, that the many sub- 
stantial advancement it possesses, generally, will prove, a sufiicient 
inducement to the citizens of the United States, to become pur- 



48 Smith College Studies in History 

chasers, and early settlers in this new and, as I think, delightful 
country. 

In running west from the Chattahouchi upon the line of sepe- 
ration between the United States, the Chactan-Hotchie is crossed 
at a point, or part of that creek which affords handsome farming 
lands sufficient for a tolerable good settlement. Again at the Yel- 
low-Water, a fork of the Ecambay Bay, a small distance above 
the line, the same advantage exists, and on the Cana-ker, another 
fork entering into the same bay, there is a quantity of good lands 
from the line, up the said river (which is lengthy) sufficient for 
an extensive settlement, and also a sufficiency for another small 
settlement where the same line crosses the main Ecamby river, or 
Bay.^ These will, of course, become advantageous settlements, as 
it is to be presumed that the Executive of the United States will 
readily conceive the propriety of establishing a line of posts, on 
that boundary, by recurring to recent Transactions of our good 
friends and their Allies, south of that line. Such a line of posts 
would seem to me important to the real interests of the United 
States, as well as to those numerous citizens who will, as soon as 
possible, settle on the lands herein described. 

Leaving the cut-off, proceeded down the main Alabama river. 
Passed Peter Randons large valuable plantation situated on the 
right bank, on the Island produced by the communication of the 
waters of the Alabama with those of Tom-big-by through the cut- 
off, at 2 m. 40 ch. (say to his Houses) and Mimms's ferry. Ran- 
dons plantation continueing for a considerable distance below the 
ferry. The only Improvement on the left is the ferry house at the 
mouth of a small Lagoon from whence, as before stated, it is 
about 1 m. 20 ch. nearly East to the site of Fort Mimms, now in 
ruins — at 3 miles below the ferry received a Lake or Laggoon from 
the left. This Lake commences near Pearces Boat Yard, in sight 
of Fort Alimms, from which, to the river, is called 3 miles, the 



* Tatiim here refers to the Choctawhatchee, Yellow, Conecuh, and 
Escombia Rivers, and the Escombia Bay. The geography of the region 
was little known at the time. 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 49 

course nearly So. 70° West. It is navigable for small sloops & 
schooners, from the boat yard to the river. The Boat yard is 
about 1 m. 40 ch. from Fort Montgomery and nearly the same 
distance from Pearces Mill & Fort, which is about 1 mile from 
Fort Montgomery, the three points forming nearly a triangle. The 
boat yard & Pearces lying nearest the river. Proceeded 1 m. 40 
ch. further, this night, and encamped on the Island on the right 
at 45 m. past 8 o'clock P. M. at 53 miles this day, and 7 m. 40 ch. 
below the cut-ofT, as near as could be ascertained by information, 
and a night view. 

August 20th 

Proceeded at 25 m. after 5 o'clock A. M. 

About 14 m. to Fort Stoddard, receiving from the right, the 
Tombigby river at the distance of about 10 miles. From this 
Junction the Mobile river commences, and is from 440 to 500 yds. 
wide, or upwards, to where the Tensaw river leaves the Mobile 
& courses to the left, at the distance of about 6 m. 40 ch. below 
the Junction and 2 m. 40 ch. below Fort Stoddard. 

From the junction, where the Mobile commences, it takes its 
course down, nearest the right shore and empties into the Mobile 
Bay 3 m. below the Tov/n of Mobile, and 27 miles, nearly north, 
from Mobile point at Fort Bowyer. Besides the Tensaw there are 
several other rivers, called by different names, as Middor & Span- 
ish rivers, &c., which leave the Mobile and coursing to the left, 
& southwardly, by various routs form numerous, marshy Islands 
until they finally disenbogue their waters into the Bay of Mobile. 

On the arrival of the boats & Troops at Fort Stoddard the 
whole landed and the Commanding General, accompanied by part 
of his staff and a few officers of the 39th Infantry, proceeded to 
Mount Vernon, distant about 2 miles, where Major Blue and a 
part of that regiment remained, the balance under Lt. Col. Benton 
having, shortly before that time, been marched to Holmes's Hill, 
on the east side of the Alabama, where they had commenced the 
building of a Fort called Fort Montgomery, the situation of which 
& distance from Fort Mimms, or the boat yard & Fort Pearce has 



50 Smith College Studies in History 

been already described. It was believed that this would be a 
more healthy situation for the Troops than Mount Vernon, where 
they had suffered greatly by sickness and would enable the 
troops to yield more immediate assistance & more permanent pro- 
tection to the settlers on that side of the river most exposed to 
the depredations of the Indians. It had been, previously, well 
ascertained that the parties of McQueen & Frances, who had not 
surrendered & joined in the Treaty, had been received and cher- 
ished by the Governor of Pensacola. That he had permitted Brit- 
tish vessels to enter the Spanish ports with arms, ammunition & 
cloathing for the Creek Indians inimical to the United States 
Government, and permitted them freely to distribute them. That 
he had received and taken into his particular favor, a pretended 
Brittish officer, who called himself Captain Woodbine, who as an 
agent had in charge the aforesaid stores of arms, &c. and had 
actually permitted, & encouraged, the said Woodbine to embody & 
arm & cloath the said Indians, within the Town of Pensacola, 
and assumed upon himself the act of having so embodied the 
said Indians, and the arming & cloathing thereof, under the 
falacious pretence of one, apprehended, attack on his government 
by the American forces, against which he had made this cautionary 
provision. A guilty conscience is subject to many serious fears 
& apprehensions, and such appears to have been the case with 
this very Amiable Governor. The situation, therefore, of those set- 
tlers really called for a protecting force of some kind, in their 
vicinity, and perhaps this movement was prudent. In fact, cir- 
cumstances have subsequently occurred that proves its propriety. 
The Commanding General returned to Fort Stoddard in the 
after noon, where he permitted the Troops to remain for the 
purpose of cleaning & refreshing themselves, after the fatigue 
they had experienced in their descent, until the succeeding morn- 
ing. 

August 21st 

Proceeded at 6 o'clock A. M. and descended the Mobile river 
for the Town of Mobile, the place of destination, passing several 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 51 

plantations situated on the right bank of the river and some few 
on Islands upon the left. On arriving at the distance of 4 miles 
above the Town, a heavy gale of wind compelled the General to 
order a landing, which was effected in a large Lagoon from the 
right where the boats rode in safety and on the morning of the 
22nd at about 9 o'clock arrived at the wharf in front of Fort 
Charlotte, at Mobile, at the distance of about 420 miles below 
Fort Jackson, as nearly as could be ascertained. 

The Commanding General, whilst at Fort Jackson, forwarded 
an order to Col. Sparks, commanding the 2nd Infantry & the 
post of ]\Iobile, for the reoccupation of Fort Bowyer, on Mobile 
point, which had been abandoned by order of General Flournoy 
while commanding the district. On arriving at the wharf, the 
General was met by Major Lawrance, then about to descend the 
Bay with several sloops, schooners & barges, laden with troops, 
cannon & military stores for the purpose aforesaid. He sailed 
shortly after, on the same day, and after encountering, & sur- 
mounting many difficulties, from unfavorable winds and weather, 
effected a landing on the point and placed the Fort in as good a 
state of defence as the time would permit between that of landing 
and the 14th day of September, inclusive. The time allowed for 
these preparations having been much shortened by the difficulties 
in his descent, aforementioned, compared with the labor to be 
performed. 

Head Quarters, for the present, being established at this Town, 
the Commanding General proceeded to make such arrangements 
for the defence of the port as the small means in his power 
enabled him to make. He had the Troops that descended the 
river with him, encamped at a healthy situation on Portage Creek, 
3 miles north west from the Town, from whence they could be 
expeditiously marched to any point on that side of the Mobile Bay, 
at which their services might be required. That part of the 2nd 
which remained after the departure of Major Lawrence (say 
about 200 effectives) was detained, and continued in the occupa- 
tion of Fort Charlotte, about 200 poles below the Town, under 



52 Smith College Studies in History 

the command of Colonel Richard Sparks, commandant of said 
Regiment and Port of Mobile. A few Choctaw Indians then at 
Mobile & in its vicinity, was taken into pay & organized into a 
company, as an auxiliary force until further reinforcements should 
arrive. 

About this time (late in August) the General was advised that 
the Tennessee requisition of two Regiments and one battalion of 
Militia had been ordered into service subject to his disposition 
and would rendezvous in a short time, ready to march under the 
command of Brigadier General Taylor. On receiving this in- 
telligence he dispatched an express to General Coffee of the same 
state, requesting him to collect 800 or 1,000 mounted Gun-men 
as Volunteers, if practicable, and march them as speedily as 
possible to his aid, with orders to his adjutant General, then near 
Nashville, to have the two Regiments marched, wihout delay, 
to the neighborhood of Mobile, and to have the battalion distributed 
at sundry military posts in the Creek & Cherokee Nations, to 
protect the stores deposited there. Captain James Denkin of the 
3d Infantry was detached at the same time to aid Col. John McKee, 
the Choctaw Agent, in getting into service as many Choctaw & 
Chickasaw Indians as possible, and wrote to the Governor of 
the Mississipi Territory to have his proportion of the United 
States requisition marched without delay, to the neighborhood of 
Fort Montgomery, where the Indians were also to rendezvous. 

Whilst the above arrangements were making, information was 
received that parties of the Indians from Pensacola \vas in the 
habit of making frequent excurtions from thence across the Per- 
dido, and killing the cattle of the citizens of the United States, 
who had been compelled to abandon their possessions on the 
east side of Mobile bay, and driving others to Pensacola both for 
use & salt. That these Indians had been regularly embodied into 
a corps, under the command of the before named Woodbine (our 
professed enemy) either by the order or permission of the Span- 
ish Governor of that place. From the warlike attitude, therefore, 
in which these savages then appeared, no doubt could be enter- 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 53 

tained that the ol)ject was to commit e\ery act of murder & 
devastation, in their power, on the persons & property of our citi- 
zens. For the purpose therefore of repelling these predatory at- 
tacks, and punishing the agressors, the General called into service 
from the neighbouring counties, by voluntary enrolment, a small 
force, for a short period, of mounted Gun-men who were directed 
join the 39th Regiment of Infantry (then weak in numbers & 
very sickly) for the purpose of strengthening the new post of Fort 
Montgomery, and, occasionally, sending out small detachments to 
scour the country between the Perdido & the river and Bay of 
Mobile, below the line of demarkation, and also as far as said 
line, on the east of Perdido, and from thence to the Escambia 
river, with directions that these detachments should kill 8z take 
all Creek Indians discovered by them on the scout. The Choctaws 
and part of the regular force at Mobile & in its vicinity were 
also sent in parties from time to time, across the Bay to scour part 
of the same country, as far as the Perdido. These detachments 
were often successful in defeating the projects of the enemy and 
lessening their numbers by killing several of Captain Woodbine's, 
or the Governors corps sent out for the before recited purposes. 
Parties also from the neighbourhood of Fort Montgomery were 
equally successful. In this situation things remained until the 
night of the 3rd of September, when a considerable firing of mus- 
ketry was heard from the East side of the Bay in the direction 
of the Houses & Mill of a :\Ir. D. Olive of the Town of Mobile. 
Early the next day correct information was received that an at- 
tack had been made on D. Olives House, where he had an Overseer 
& three negroe slaves. That the Overseer & two of the slaves 
had been taken and carried off for Pensacola by Indians from 
that place, part of Woodbines corps. One other of D. Olives 
Negroes made his escape and gave the same information. A party 
was immediately detached & sent in pursuit, but from the tedious 
delay occasioned in crossing the Bay for want of proper trans- 
portation the enemy effected a safe retreat across the Perdido 
and escaped to Pensacola, with their prisoners, in safety. 



54 Smith College Studies in History 

About this time (say the 3d or 4th September) a Brig, prize 
to the Brittish Armed Brig Sophia, said to have been recaptured 
from the Barritarians, foundered near Dauphin Island and was 
captured by the party under the command of Major Lawrance at 
Fort Bowyer. The prisoners taken on board, one Prize Master & 
6 Seamen of the Brittish and 3 Spanish Seamen, represented to be 
part of the original crew of the Prize. These last mentioned sea- 
men the General determined to keep in close confinement as host- 
ages for the safe return of D'Olive's Overseer & his two slaves, 
and notified the Governor of Pensacola of this determination, ac- 
companied with the most positive assurance that these men would 
me made to answer. Eye for Eye, Tooth for ToofJi & Scalp for 
Scalp the injuries which should be inflicted on, or suffered by, 
D'Olive's Overseer or Negroes aforesaid. He, the said Governor, 
having now informed the Commanding Generally, formally by let- 
ter delivered by his Lieutenant (Gilmar) bearing date on the first 
day of September, 3 days previous to the attack on D'Olives House 
& capture aforesaid, that he had Armed those Indians who had 
committed this outrage. The only excuse for which arming, 
that was attempted by the Governor (after stating in his said 
letter, many harsh charges & assertions against the American 
Government) was, that he had armed them as a measure of pre- 
caution to meet any attempt of the American Government to In- 
vade Pensacola as they had formerly Mobile. This declaration 
of the Governor, and the act that followed, of the attack upon 
D'Olives Property & its capture, as well as that of the American 
Citizen at the same time & place, and that too, within three days 
from and after the date of this acknowledgement, or declaration ; 
together with the further information received by the General 
that this same Governor had received into his ports four Brittish 
Armed Vessels of War, and that they were actually lying in the 
Ports & Bay of Pensacola at the time this menacing letter was 
written & sent by Lt. Gilmar to him, was considered by the Gen- 
eral as a strong evidence (at least) that the Government was 
about to place itself in a Belligerent state as against the United 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 55 

States, and warranted the determination of the General so far at 
least as it respected these three seamen. The Spanish Governor, 
on his part, having by his letter taken upon himself the respon- 
sibility for the fresh agression, committed at D'Olive's. 

Serious apprehensions were now Entertained, by many, for 
the safety of Fort Bowyer. The vessels lying at Pensacola was 
believed to be merely the van of a much larger naval force de- 
stined to act in these seas, and accompanied (perhaps) by land 
forces intended for the reduction of Mobile and occupation of 
West Florida. 

On the 12th the Commanding General dismissed Lieut. Gilmar 
with his answer to the very polite note of his Excellency. The 
Lieut, sailed on the morning of the 13th and in the same evening 
the General with his aid, Capt. T. L. Butler, Embarked on board 
of a small schooner for Fort Bowyer, accompanied by Col. Sparks 
of 2d Infantry, myself and a small guard, for the purpose of 
examining the situation of that Fort and ascertaining its means 
of Defence in case of an attack. At about 11 o'clock P. M. this 
schooner was hailed by the Schooner Shirk, then on her way from 
Mobile Point, and informed by her Commander that Lt. Roy of the 
2d was on board and had dispatches from Maj Lawrance to the 
General. Lt. Roy was immediately ordered on board with his 
letters which contained [information] that, a number of Brittish 
Armed Ships, Brig, &c. lay off the bar, and from their manoeuver- 
ing & sounding &c. shewed a design of attacking that Fort, or 
passing it for Mobile. On receiving this information the General 
gave orders for an immediate return to Town. The schooner was 
hove about and every exertion made, but the wind being strong 
ahead from the north and the vessel an indifferent sailer with but 
little ballast, no great advantage could be gained, thus she laid off 
& on until about 12 o'clock on the 14th when the General ordered 
her into the mouth of Dog river (9 miles below the Town of Mo- 
bile) at which place she arrived at about 1 o'clock P. M. At 2 
o'clock the General & his aid-de-camp, with part of the Guard em- 
barked on board a Pirogue and arrived safe at Mobile in the even- 



56 Smith College Studies ix History 

ing (leaving Colonel Sparks & myself with part of the Guard, on 
board the schooner) at the Town of Mobile, and immediately de- 
tached from the 3d Infantry one full company to the aid of Fort 
Bowyer. The command devolved upon Capt. Laval, a brave & ex- 
perienced officer, who embarked early on the same night on board 
one of the large Barges by which the Troops had descended from 
Fort Jackson (no other vessels being to be gotten) and proceeded 
towards the point, with orders lo search out and embark on board 
the Shirk. It was not until after daylight the Shirk could be dis- 
covered. On her they then embarked and proceeded with all 
possible dispatch and arrived within 4 miles of the Fort by 3 o'clock 
P. M. where witnessed the commencement of a most Tremendous 
Engagement between the said Fort and four Brittish Armed 
Vessels without any possibility of yielding the aid intended, to 
the Fort. The Vessels Engaged v/ere the Hermes & Carron Sloops 
of War mounting 22 32-lb. & 6 8-lb. carronades each. The Brigs 
Sophia & Childress mounting 18 18-lb. long Guns each, as is said. 
A land force was also to be seen on the point, in rear of the Fort, 
composed of a party of the Brittish Marines, and the Indian Forces 
of the Governor of Pensacola, under the Command of Woodbine, 
their leader. The action was fought with great bravery on both 
sides until 8 o'clock P. M. when the spring on the cable of the 
Hermes being cut away, she wore ship head on upon the shore and 
grounded, in which situation she received from the Fort a most 
destructive raking fire. Again she wore & slipt her cable and in 
wearing received another severe rake from stern to stern, from 
which she drifted & grounded about 700 poles below the Fort 
where she was abandoned, fired and blew up. The remaining three 
also slipt their cables and made oft with all speed, the Carron & 
Sophia in a situation not to be envied. The Commander of the 
Childress had behaved more prudent and kept aloof from danger. 
She may be said to have made her escape almost without a zvound. 
In this engagement some circumstances occurred that afforded 
strong suspicions (if not full proof) that the enemy had deter- 
mined to give no quarter. They are these. Tliat while engaged the 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 57 

colors of the Hermes fell, which was seen from the Fort and 
considered as having been struck for a surrender. The firing 
at the Hermes ceased until her flag was again raised and she 
commenced firing. A short time afterwards, the flag-stafif of the 
Fort was shot down & the Flag fell. So soon as this was seen by 
Woodbine and those with him. the corps of Marines & Indians 
advanced with great speed as if with an intent to storm the works, 
but on seeing the flag hoisted again, they retreated with equal, 
or greater speed and concealed themselves behind the numerous 
hillocks of sand w^hich had supplied their .y * ing posts, in the 
former part of the action, in which situation they remained until 
marched off after the action had terminated. 

The Fort at the time this action took place contained only 
Eleven Mounted Guns, 2 of which were of 24-lb. calliber, 2 of 4-Ib. 
and the balance of 9 lb. & 12 lb. The 2 largest cracked early in the 
action and were of little service afterwards, & one or both of the 
4 Ibrs. were dismounted or broken. The loss on the American 
side was 4 killed & 5 wounded, exclusive of Captain Walsh of the 
Artillery & 10 or 12 men who were badly burned by the explosion 
of some loose cartridges belonging to one of the Guns, which took 
fire from Neglect or inattention. The loss on the side of the enemy 
on this occasion could never [be] fairly ascertained, of course, 
variously reported, but believe it may fairly [be] stated at not less 
than Two hundred seamen & IMarines. 

The northern winds prevailed ai the time this action was 
fought, & were so fresh on that day that none of the guns were 
heard that day at the Town, nor by Col. Sparks & myself who were 
still six or seven miles below, not as yet having been able to reach 
the Town with our schooner, from the mouth of Dog river. Cap- 
tain Laval had been obliged still to remain in the situation he was 
in at the commencement of the action. The Fort lay between him 
& the ships engaged, but so that he could have a good view while 
it was day-light, but when the Hermes, which was the advance 
ship, wore round and was afterwards fired at the place she 



*Word is undecipherable in MSS. 



58 Smith College Studies in History 

grounded, it placed the Fort more immediately between and gave, 
by the burning of the sails an appearance of Tents, &c. burning 
in the Fort, and this impression was so forceably impressed upon 
his senses that no doubt remained with him that such was the fact, 
and that the explosion on the ships blowing up was the Magazine 
in the Fort and of course that the Fort was taken by the assailants, 
and with these impressions he commenced his return and reported 
accordingly on the forenoon of the 16th. It was discovered, how- 
ever, that one of his Pilots had taken up a different opinion and ex- 
pressed his belief that it was one of the vessels that had suf- 
fered. In addition to this, we obtained for our consolation the 
opinion of a Corporal that had been detached by the Captain, late 
in the evening, was information of what was going on. He stated 
that he had been obliged to bear in a western direction on his 
departure from the Vessel he had left, and had made but small 
progress when the ship took fire, or was set on fire he could not 
tell which. That he had so far cleared the encumberance of the 
Fort from his view as to see the line of seperation distinctly, 
and did not hesitate to assert positively that it was a Vessel and 
not the Fort that had been burnt & blown up. Great anxiety was 
therefore experienced upon receiving this, conflicting, information, 
and the prospect of getting more certain for some time, appeared 
doubtful, when on the 17th early, the General & friends of the 
country was favored with Maj. Lawrances report of the action 
and his success. This information dispelled a dismal cloud from 
the brows of the friends of America, which soon settled on those 
of some others in this Town who had been basking in, what they 
believed to be, sunshine, ever since the arrival of Captain Laval 
and party. Lieutenant Gilmar who had been ordered back by Maj. 
Lawrance, to Mobile, previous to the commencement of the action, 
appeared much mortified & distressed at this news of his friends 
misfortune, and with a countenance exceedingly attenuated, applied 
for and obtained his passports for his return to Pensacola, where 
he might freely exercise his sympathies for the shame and dis- 
tress his royal friends had brought upon themselves by this im- 
prudent and ill-judged attack. 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 59 

Lt. Gilmars anxiety is more particularly noticed in consequence 
of serious suspicion having been entertained of the honorable in- 
tentions of the Governor in sending this gentleman to the General 
with his note at the time he did. His appearance on receiving the 
news cleared it of all mistery. 

As it is understood that the department of war has already 
been placed in possession of a chart of Mobile Bay and Point, 
taken from actual survey, and also of a plan of Fort Bowyer, (by 
Mr. Pelia, the Engineer) situated at the extreme end of the point. 
It is deemed superfluous for me of any part except of the point 
adjacent to the Fort, which, if not heretofore communicated, is 
of some importance to be known in order to form a proper judg- 
ment as to the advantage & disadvantages attached to this post, 
and to enable the adoption of the necessary measure of strengthen- 
ing its defences. 

This point is at the extreme end of a peninsula lying between, 
and bounded by, the Bays of Bonsecour & Mobile on the north, 
and the sea, or Ocean on the South. The entrance into the bay 
on the west, around & by the point, as will be seen by refTerence 
to the charts. Navy Cove lies in the side of Mobile Bay, 3 miles 
above the point, from which to the point the distance between the 
Bay & Ocean, or sea shore is from 30 to forty chain — the land, a 
level low bed of loose sand and very open and thinly timbered. 
At the distance of from 30 to 40 chains back of the Fort, and on 
the Bay side there is a mound of sand, of considerable size which 
is about 10 feet higher than the parapet of the Fort. There are 
smaller mounds, connected with, and, extending from the prin- 
cipal along the Bay side to within about the distance of 150 or 
200 paces of the Fort, which affords compleat shelter to any land 
force that is wished to be march from behind the large mound, 
along the Bay side, to that place, from whence, regular approaches 
may be commenced & carried on with great facility to the Glacis 
of the Fort. From this circumstance it would seem that, the 
Fort must always be subject to capture by land forces, without 



60 Smith College Studies in History 

some additional aid.^ Should the mound be found capable of bear- 
ing the weight of a fortification, it is doubtful whether it could be 
abandoned or reinforced at pleasure whilst a force was before it. 
It is certain it could not if the enemy should possess himself of the 
Bay, which might be done by way of Daupin Island with armed 
Barges at least. The only way to obtain perfect security for the 
Fort appears to be that of keeping a vessel well armed & manned, 
within the Bay, of superior size & strength to any that the enemy 
would ever attempt to pass through the channel into the Bay. That 
now on the stocks at Tchefonta would answer the purpose admir- 
ably. The mound must either be levelled with the other parts of 
the lands on the point, or fortified. If it is capable of supporting 
one. it is to be preferred to pursue that measure. 

Such a vessel as that above alluded to, well armed & manned, 
with a few attendant Gun Barges, would be able both to assist the 
Fort in defending the entrance into the Bay, and raking every part 
of the Peninsula, from the Bay across to the seashore, from Navy 
Cove down to the point. It would also be a sufficient force to take 
or destroy any that an enemy might be able to get into the Bay 
through any other than the main channel. 

Fort Bowyer, it is believed, would be much strengthened, did 
it contain a greater extent of Water Battery. This might easily be 
effected by extending the circle on the Bay side from the North 
East demi-bastion to a point covering the extreme angle of the 
full bastion. There errect a demi-bastion, and from thence unite 
the two demi-bastions by a strong curtain line & parapet, instead 
of the weak one which now unites the full Bastion with the Demi- 
Bastions. Let the parapet be 10 instead of 3 feet thick, so as to 
be capable of arresting a cannon ball with some effect in case, as 
heretofore, it should become necessary. Such a battery would con- 
tain from 18 to 20 guns— 24 & 32 lbs.— besides 2 of 12 lbs. in 



^ It was by this approach that Fort Bowyer was taken by the British 
on February 12, 1815. See Bassett. Life of Andrczv Jackson. I, 210. It 
is not clear that this part of the report was written before the affair of 
February 12. 1815, when Fort Bowyer was taken by the British. 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 61 

the Demi-Bastions. These would probably be sufficient to sink all 
the vessels, in a short time, that any enemy should dare to attack 
with, and with such a Frigate lying at the mouth of the entrance 
into the Bay, as that lying on the stocks at Tchefonta, properly 
manned & equipped, in aid of this Fort, would prevent any 
force from passing it, that an enemy could possibly send against 
either with a view of making a capture, or forcing a passage into 
the Bay. 

How far the fortifying Daupin Island might be deemed abso- 
lutely necessary, or only proper as a measure of precaution & de- 
fence, I am not able to judge. My information upon that subject 
I must confess is extremely limited. 

A Topographical description of the country below the (former) 
Spanish & American line, it is presumed has already reached the 
Department of War through the agency of Maj. Genl. Gaines or 
some other officer (understood to have been) heretofore engaged 
in such discoveries. If a proper description has not already [been] 
transmitted, I can only lament that it is not in my power to remedy 
the evil, by any information I obtained during the short stay I 
made in & about Mobile, and can only say that from the maps 
I have seen, the rivers, creeks & Bays, as far as my observations 
extended, appear to have been correctly delineated. The face of 
the country is as uninteresting as it possibly can be. As a com- 
mercial Town, (situated on a handsome plain) [it] may become a 
place of great importance since the acquisition, obtained, of the 
Alabama & its waters. Its unhealthy, local, situation is much to 
be regretted. In all Northern winds, (in the summer & fall sea- 
sons) a stench arizes from the Numerous Marshes opposite, and 
above, this Town that are truly suffocating, and produces pesti- 
lence & death among the inhabitants to a degree truly alarming.^ 



' At this point a leaf of the original report is missing. In the typed 
copy appears the following entry : 

Memo., Sept. 10, 1903. The leaf here missing was so missing when 
this journal came into my possession to read for official purposes. — J. G. 
Maynard, Clerk, Misc. Div., A. G. O. 



62 Smith College Studies in History 

There are some who entertain an opinion that the Town of 
Blakely, lately laid out on the East side of the river, nearly opposite 
to Mobile, will prove to be a more healthy situation, as it is better 
watered, and less subject to the noxious effluvia experienced at Mo- 
bile. How far this opinion may prove correct I cannot pretend 
to say, but to me it appears reasonable as it does not appear to 
lie where it could be effected by a north wind. It is, however, cer- 
tain that their is a point some where on the IMobile, or Tensau, 
river that at no distant period of time, must become important 
in a commercial point of view. 

On the Commanding General's arrival, at the Town of Mo- 
bile, it was discovered that several Spanish Vessels were there in 
pursuit of cargoes of corn and other provisions, some of which 
were loading, and that the whole of them were destined to the 
port of Pensacola where (it was then well understood) Brittish 
Armed Vessels and other forces were daily expected, for the 
declared purpose of retaking from the American Government, 
that part of West Florida, now in possession of the United States, 
and delivering the same into the hands of the Spanish Govern- 
ment. The General, in consequence of this discovery, immedi- 
ately issued an Order which put a stop to the exportation of corn, 
and every other species of provision from that port, except so 
much as was necessary for the use of the vessels crew. The same 
orders were sent to New Orleans, and the Military Officers at 
that, and all the adjacent ports, charged with the due execution 
of this order, by stoping & detaining all Vessels laden in whole, or 
in part, with such cargoes until further orders, unless the Com- 
mander, or Commanders of such vessel or vessels would reland 
such cargoes, or parts thereof, as were thus prohibited, in which 
case they were permitted to depart. But as soon as the General 
had ascertained that the enemy were actually on the Coast and 
some of their Vessels of War were lying in the Bay of Pensa- 
cola, or Escambia, this conditional Embargo was rendered com- 
pleat, both as to vessels & cargoes in order to prevent the enemy 
from obtaining any means of transportation, by means of the 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 63 

Neutral Vessels (if they could be so denominated) trading from 
New Orleans to Pensacola, or any other foreign port. By these 
judicious precautions, the enemy were prevented from getting 
considerable quantities of provisions & means of transportation 
from within our ports and rivers. Several of the vessels thus 
detained were soon discovered to be those actually chartered, and 
sent to procure provisions, by the commanders of the Enemy's 
Vessels they lying in the Port of Pensacola. 

The Town of Mobile is incapable of immediate defence as a 
military position. Its reliance for safety is upon its out posts. The 
defences, therefore, at the entrance into its Bay, are important 
to its safety, and requires the particular attention of Govern- 
ment. Should a force by land attempt its capture, that force 
must be met at a distance and the issue tr3'ed in the woods or 
fields. An American force should never suffer itself to risque 
the effects of a siege in this place. Captivity would be the certain 
consequence, as all possibility of retreat is easily cut off by a 
superior force. 

On the day succeeding the attack on Fort Bowyer, the land 
forces of the Enemy retreated along the Peninsula and halted a 
part of their forces at Bonsecour landing, where they destroyed 
a small quantity of Tobacco, Cotton, &c. lodged at that place for 
the purpose of being transported, by an inland navigation & short 
Portage, to Pensacola. The property thus destroyed, was under- 
stood to belong to a few Spanish-American & Anglo-Spaniards. 
Some other injuries were experienced by the citizens resident at 
and near that place, or holding property in that neighborhood. The 
enemy, thus engaged, continued the possession of that place for 
two or three days. The balance of the enemy's forces continued 
their march to Pensacola where they were joined in a short 
time by the Naval. 

The Commanding General having received information, on 
the 16th or 17th, that the enemy occupied the place of landing, 
on the Bonsecour river, an attempt was made to cut-off the party 
(supposed then to consist of the whole of the enemy's land forces, 



64 Smith College Studies in History 

including the Governor's Indian Corps) and for that purpose sent 
orders to Lt. Colonel Benton, commanding at Fort Montgomery, 
to march a certain proportion of the Infantry & mounted Gun-men, 
with what Indian force he should have at that post, down the East 
side of the river and Bay. At the same time he sent an express by 
water to Major Jo Woodruff of the 3rd Infantry (who had been 
detached with about 300 men, properly officered, on the 16th to 
aid and support Fort Bowyer, if not captured) supposed to be at 
Mobile point, directing him to march up the Peninsula and attack 
the enemy in rear at Bonsecure. or proceed up the Bay by water, 
if he though it more advisable, and fall into the enemy's rear by 
that means. Lt. Colonel Benton & Maj. Woodruff, it was under- 
stood, were each advised of the movements intended by the other, 
so as to prevent confusion by the two parties reaching and occupy- 
ing the same ground. The express was overtaken by a severe 
gale and with some difficulty reached Dauphin Island, vvhere he 
was detained for several days. This misfortune prevented Maj. 
Woodruff from receiving his orders ; and finding the fort safe he, 
according to his first orders, returned to Head Quarters, from 
whence he departed shortly after, with new instructions, across the 
Bay nearly opposite to Mobile. This movement placed both the 
pursuing parties above, and in front of the enemy, should they 
have remained at Bonsecure. The lapse of time occasioned by 
these, necessary, movements afforded the enemy an opportunity 
of gaining information and making his escape. He was pursued, 
however, as far as the Perdido about 20 to 25 miles, but had 
crossed that Bay before the arrival of the pursuing forces. Thus 
the object of the pursuit was defeated, and the pursuing detach- 
ments each returned to their several posts. 

Parties from Mobile and from Fort Montgomery were still 
sent to patrol on the East as before. In one of those excursions, 
a party of Mounted Gun-men from Fort Montgomery discovered 
an Indian trail, (supposed to be part of the Governors Beef-Hun- 
ters) which they pursued and overtook at a place called the Alli- 
gator Holes, on the East side of the Perdido river & nearly on the 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 65 

road leading to Pensacola. They killed 6 of this party, with the 
loss of one man (Bates) of the detachment. This was the only 
transaction, or movement of any consequence deserving notice, 
which occurred, up to the middle of the month of October, about 
which time the Commanding General received information that 
Brigadier General Coffee was rapidly advancing, through the 
Choctaw Nation, to join him, with about 2,000 or 2,200 (instead of 
1,000) volunteer Mounted Gun-men from West Tennessee. That 
Colonel Lowry, from the same quarter, was advancing, by the 
way of Fort Jackson, with one compleat Regiment of the requisi- 
tion Militia forces. That the Territorial Quota of Drafted Militia 
were also near at hand, and that IMajor Thomas Hind (an active 
& valuable officer) with his Squadron of Mississippi Dragoons 
nearly reached Mount- Vernon. In addition to this information, 
the General received dailv advices of the arrival of numbers of 
Choctaw Indians at Mount Vernon, and that the whole number 
when concentrated would amount to about 800 warriors, as nearly 
as could be ascertained. 

On receiving the above information (which was confirmed in 
part by the arrival of Col. Robt. Butler, adjutant General of the 
District, immediately from West Tennessee, accompanied by Major 
Peace of the 44th Infantry) orders were given for the encamp- 
ment of all the Infantry & Indians, which should arrive, at and 
near Fort Montgomery. That General Coffee and his Brigade, & 
Major Hind's Squadron should be encamped on the cut-off Island 
where forage could be more conveniently collected for the horses, 
and that so encamped they should await the arrival of the Com- 
manding General. The Troops composing the 3rd Infantry & Cap- 
tain Bakers company of the 44th, were ordered to hold themselves 
in readiness to march on the shortest notice, and large supplies of 
military stores & provisions directed to be sent up the river to 
the neighborhood of Fort Montgomery, for the purpose of afford- 
ing supplies to troops daily arriving. Orders were also issued 
requiring the Quarter Master General's department to be active 



66 Smith College Studies in History 

in the necessary supplies of forage to meet the exigencies of the 
contemplated movements. 

Thus, then, has the Topography of the Country — Movements 
of the Army and every material occurrence that has taken place 
since my arrival at Head Quarters, Fort Jackson, to the 20th 
day of Octoher, 1814, inclusive, been truly set forth & delineated ; 
with causes producing those movements and occurrences, as far as 
my limited means of acquiring information on the one hand, and 
my personal view and observations on the other, has enabled me to 
perform the duties of my station. 

I feel much regret at not having had it in my power to give a 
more perfectly detailed account of the movements of this portion 
of the army, than will be found contained in this communication, 
together with the occurrences that have taken place, and, particu- 
larly, the causes leading to the production of such occurrences. I 
trust, however, that when Government are informed that however 
it may be in other divisions of the army, in this, a Topographical 
Engineer is not considered as entitled to any greater information 
on those subjects, than any other officer of the line; It is presumed 
a reasonable excuse will be found for the apparent omission, or 
neglect of duty under such circumstances. 

The Commanding General having determined to assume the 
immediate command of the forces collected and collecting, at Fort 
Montgomery, and in its vicinity, the 21st & 22d was appropriated 
to making the necessary preparations & arrangements for his de- 
parture from Mobile. 

The declared object of these measures was a Visit to Pensacola, 
for the purpose of forcing the Brittish to abandon that place and 
enforcing upon the Executive of the Spanish Government the 
propriety and necessity of preserving & protecting the neutrality 
of his government agreeable to Treaty or in case of inability to do 
so, to admit the American forces to an equal participation of rights 
& privileges, as granted to the Brittish forces then at that place. 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 67 

OcTR. 23rd, 1814 
The necessary arrangements having been completed the Com- 
manding General & suit departed from Mobile at 3 o'clock P. M., 
leaving orders for the 3rd Regiment of Infantry & Captain Bakers 
company of the 44th to follow as soon as practicable— proceeded 
to Chicasaw Bogue (a creek so called) 12 miles and halted for the 
night. 

24th 
Proceeded at 8 o'clock A. M. to judge Toulmans, near Fort 

Stoddard, 28 miles. 

25th 
Proceeded to Carsons ferry on Tombigby river, 7 miles. At 
this place fell in with General Coffee's Corps of Mounted Volun- 
teer Gun-Men from West Tennessee, said to be 2,000 men & offi- 
cers. One Regiment of this Corps had arrived on the preceeding 
day and had crossed to the East side of the river and encamped on 
the cut-off Island near the ferry — passed through the Island. 7 
miles, passing Major Hind's Squadron of Mississippi Cavalry, 
encamped at Peter Randons, near Mimms's ferry, on the bank of 
the Alabama. Crossed the Alabama at the said Ferry and pro- 
ceeded to Fort Pearce, 3 miles, passing Fort Mimms and a place 
called the Boat-Yard at 1 m. 20 ch., at which place found a small 
detachment of Mounted Gun-Men encamped. The same that had 
been called into service for 60 days, as herein before stated. 

26th 

Visited the Boat-Yard, at which place a detachment of the Ter- 
ritorial Militia had arrived. These were immediately detached to 
Fort Charlotte, at Mobile, to supply the place of Captain Bakers 
company of the 44 Infantry then ascending the river to this place. 
Visited Fort Montgomery & made such arrangements as were 
deemed necessary and returned to Head Quarters at Fort Pearce. 

27th 

This day the Commanding General visited the Troops on cut- 
off Island, consisting of about 2.300 Dragooms & Mounted Gun- 
Men. 



68 



Smith College Studies in History 



28th 
Major Woodruff arrived at the Boat- Yard, this day, with the 
3rd U. S. Infantry from Portage Creek, which march had been 
performed in one day & to 5 o'clock P. M. on the next — the dis- 
tance supposed 52 miles crossing 2 ferry's. Captain Donelson ar- 
rived shortly after the 3rd Infantry, with his Company of West 
Tennessee Rangers consisting of 106 officers Sz: soldiers. 

29th 
No material occurrence took place this day. 

30th 
On the morning of this day, the first regiment of West Ten- 
nessee, drafted. Militia (part of Genl. Taylors Brigade) arrived 
and encamped near Fort Pearce, supposed to contain near 1,000 
men, officers included. At 12 o'clock on this day Captain Baker 
& company of the 44th Infantry arrived from Mobile and landed 
at the Boat-Yard from the store Vessels under his charge. 

OcTR. 3 1st 
Early on this day Captain Wm. O. Butler of the 44th Infantry 
arrived, from Nashville, at Fort Montgomery with his company. 

NovR. 1st 

On this day Captain Johnson arrived with his company of 
Territorial Militia. Arrangements were made on this day for 
the march of the army on the morrow. The two companies of the 
44th & two companies of the 39th Infantry were placed under 
the command of Maj. H. Piere of the 44th who had arrived at 
Mobile previous to the Generals departure from that place. The 
Choctaw Indians which had been collecting at Fort Montgomery 
for some time, and now amounted to 6 or 800 were placed under 
the Command of Major Uriah Blue of the 39th Infantry and a 
Maj. Joseph Kennady & formed two small battalions, the whole 
subject to the command of Maj. Blue. 

The whole of the forces at Fort Montgomery and in its vi- 
cinity having arrived at that post, the Commanding General placed 
Lt. Colonel Perkins of the Territorial Militia in command of Fort 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 69 

Montgomery with a sufficient force for its protection, and com- 
menced his march at 2 o'clock P. M. in the following order, to 
wit, — A company of Spies selected from the Volunteer Mounted 
Gun-men in advance, under the command of a Captain Bean, an 
experienced woodsman. These were followed by the Mississippi 
Dragoons, in five columns, the centre column in the road. The 
3rd U. S. Infantry & Maj. Piere's Battalion composed the front 
of the Centre Column. The Commanding General & Staff in the 
rear of the Regular forces, followed by the artillery consisting of 
two Brass 12 Ibrs. and 1 6-lbr. commanded by Captain J. Denkin .'-.^*^ 
of the 3rd Infantry & Captain D. Deadrich, commander of a smalf 
party of Volunteers from Nashville, West Tennessee. The ar- 
tillery was followed by one regiment of Dismounted Volunteer 
Gun-Men. The Baggage and other Waggons followed this last 
regiment. The Choctaw Indians formed a column in rank en- 
tire on each side of the centre column, extending from the head of 
the artillery to the rear of the Baggage Waggons. General Coffee's 
Mounted Volunteers formed columns in file, on each side of the 
Centre and extending an Equal length with those of the Choctaws. 
Colonel Lowry's Regiment of West Tennessee Militia, under the 
command of Lt. Colonel Hammond closed the rear, marching by 
heads of companies extended in line on each side of the road and 
covering the rear of all the other columns. Marched 7 miles 
through well timbered, level, sandy, pine lands, and encamped at 
Mrs. Tormens cow-pens on the Federal road. This encampment, 
and all others on this expedition composed a hollow square. 

3rd 

Took up the line of march at 6 o'clock A. M. & marched 6 
miles along the Federal Road to the fork leading to Pensacola — 
lands the same as on yesterday — thence to the right, along the 
road leading to Pensacola 4 miles through poor. Pine woods inter- 
spersed with ponds, or savanna's, to Cochran's Cowpens about one 
mile above the head of the main Perdido river. This cowpen, or 
small, stock, plantation lies on the East side of a small fork of 
the Perdido and has the advantage of an excellent spring. The 



70 Smith College Studies in History 

lands very poor. Continued 4 miles further over the same kind of 
poor pine lands and Encamped at 14 miles. 

NovR. 4th 

Continued the line of march at 6 o'clock A. M., crossed the 
line of limit in 31° North latitude at 6 miles. Continued in all 
15 miles to Pine-Barren-Creek a water of the Escambia entering 
from the west. Lands of the same quality with those travelled over 
on yesterday. Passed near a branch on the left, a water of Pine- 
Barren-Creek, at 10 miles. This was the first water obtained on 
this days march. The General being informed that no water could 
be procured to supply the troops under 10 or 12 miles from the 
creek, The Troops were halted at 2 o'clock P. M. and Encamped 
for the night at the distance of 15 miles in advance of their En- 
campment of last night. 

From this Encampment 50 Spies, 50 Dragoons, and 70 Choc- 
taw Indians were detached to Boyles's stand (an American who 
resided 12 miles short of Pensacola) where a Spanish Guard was 
usually kept up as a vehicle of intelligence to the Town. This 
detachment were ordered to take Boyles and all other men found 
at his stand, and bring them to the Commanding General. 

5th 

Proceeded on the line of march at 6 o'clock A. M. Passed a 
spring of the Escambia waters, on the left of the road, at 10 miles. 
A place called the Alligator Holes at 12 miles. Marched in all 
25 miles & encamped about 1}^ miles short of Boyles's at a spring 
a water of the Escambia, at night. 

The lands on this days march continued of a poor, sandy 
quality, but more broken than that heretofore passed over. Pine 
growth continued as heretofore. The last 10 or 12 miles the 
road ran on the ridge dividing the waters of Escambia from those 
of the Perdido. From this ridge sundry rildy branches run into 
one or the other of those principal streams. At about 23 miles 
crossed Jacks branch which runs into the Perdido, though at this 
time perfectly dry. Discovered but little water on this days march, 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 71 

after passing the 10 mile spring. A circumstance that proved very 
distressing to both man & beast. 

The party detached on the preceeding evening, rejoined the 
army on its march this day, bringing with them the before named 
Boyles and 6 Spanish soldiers, one Sergeant included, which com- 
posed the guard at Boyles's House. The commanding officer re- 
ports that the Choctaw Indians killed a Creek Indian who lived at 
Boyles's. 

6th 

At 6 o'clock A. M. the line of march was continued about 13 
miles & halted at the distance of about 60 ch. North West of the 
Spanish advance Fort. Passed Boyles's House at about 1 mile. A 
spring on the right at 7 miles. 

As soon as the order was given for halting the army IMaj. 
Piere was dispatched, bearing a flag & communication to the 
Governor of Pensacola. He was accompanied by one company of 
Spies, three companies of Dragoons & Captain Donelsons Com- 
pany of Rangers as an escort to protect the flag against any at- 
tempt which might be made by any party of Indians that might be 
in the vicinity of the Fort. These attended the Major until he 
arrived within al)0ut 20 chains of the Fort where the Troops 
halted and formed. The Major then selected an Escort of 6 or 
8 men, displayed a large flag and advanced, having the Troops 
halted in line. On the Majors advancing about 250 paces along 
the road leading into Pensacola, the Fort fired a gun on the side 
next the Town which the Major states to have been understood by 
him as a signal for him to repair to the Fort. He left his escort 
and made a movement in that direction singly, bearing the flag. He 
had not proceeded more than about 20 paces from the Escort when 
a ball was fired from the Fort at the escort which passed a 
small distance above them, another was fired, instantly, at the 
party in line. The whole retreated and halted again about 200 
paces further from the Fort. Here they were assailed by another 
ball from the Fort which passed, over, along the line & struck 
a few paces beyond the left wing. Another retreat was commenced 



72 Smith College Studies in History 

& continued until the troops were covered from the fort by the re- 
mains of Old Fort George. From this position the Major again 
advanced with his Flag to the old Fort, about 250 paces, and from 
a place where it could be seen, he again displayed said flag which 
as soon as discovered, drew from the fort another ball. A retreat 
then took place to the main body, in effecting which the party 
were complemented with a fifth ball from the same quarter. 

The Commanding General, with a proper escort, then ad- 
vanced to the old Fort. Viewed the Spanish Fort, about 20 ch. 
distant, and returned to the army. In the absence of the General, 
two other balls were fired from the fort, at some of our officers 
& men near the head of the Columns when they were discovered 
on an eminence on which the heads of columns had halted. 

The army was then marched to the ground occupied by Don 
Galoiz at the time he besieged and took this Town from the Brit- 
tish. Within his old lines our encampment was formed near a 
small lake, or large Bayou, nearly west of the Town, and distant 
from thence about two miles & 14 miles from the commencement of 
this days march. From this encampment, immediately after dark, 
the Spanish Sergeant taken at Boyles's, was dispatched to the 
Spanish Governor bearing a note from the Commanding General, 
which was delivered, and a Spanish officer sent the same night with 
an answer, or communication of some kind, to the Commanding 
General. The officer returned the same night to Pensacola, ac- 
companied by Maj. Piere. 

NovR. 7th 

Early on the morning of this day Maj. Piere returned to Camp 
and informed the Commanding General that he had failed to suc- 
ceed in the objects of his mission, and had assured the Governor 
that the town would be entered by the army either with, or with- 
out, his permission. 

By the return of Maj. Piere, information was also received that, 
the Brittish Frigate Sea-Hock, the Carron sloop of War, the 
Childress Brig and a Spanish Corvette lay opposite the Town, as 
near in with the shore as water would permit. That the Brittish 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 73 

had embarked on the preceeding night, leaving a part of their 
stores on shore. That the Indians had been crossed over to the 
Eastern side of the Bay, in part, and to the Island of St. Rose. 
That he was informed that the Brittish, under the command of 
Maj. or Colonel, Nichols of the Marines, with a few Spaniards, 
occupied the Fort on the preceeding day, and that Nichols was the 
person that caused the flag to be fired on. I am of opinion it was 
the joint act of the Spanish & Brittish commanders, judging from 
circumstances which took place after the embarkation of the 
Brittish forces. 

On receipt of the foregoing information, preparations were 
made for entering the Town and affection [sic] the objects con- 
templated in this expedition. Colonel Butler, with a competent 
force, and one piece of ordinance was charged with the protec- 
tion of the Camp and baggage in the absence of the balance of 
the division. 

The Town of Pensacola is situated on the North West side 
of the Escambay Bay extending in an oblong nearly East & West, 
along the Bay for about 60 chains, and from 15 to 20 ch. in breadth. 
It contains three streets running parallel with the Bay (exclusive 
of the margin, or water street, in front) which are crossed by 
several other streets leading from the water to the Hills which 
nearly, surround the Town. The largest of these leads directly 
to a small contemplated Fort on a Hill at about 600 paces distance, 
which commands the whole Town and a great part of the adjoining 
common. The Town lies on a plain at the foot of this-Hill, be- 
lieved to be not more than 20 feet above the level of high water 
mark on the Bay. It is protected by several Block-Houses, calcu- 
lated to rake the streets, exclusive of the Fort before mentioned, 
one of which is between the Fort & Town, and one other in a 
centre street near the Public Square, and commands the Bar- 
racks and Barrack Yard, public stores, &c. nearer the Bay. The 
Bay. above the Town in its ascent to the mouth of Conaker & 
Yellow Water bears nearlv North and from the Town to the 



74 



Smith College Studies in History 



Barankas Fort, at the entrance into the Bay, nearly a So. So. West 
course, distance 9 miles. 

The unfriendly disposition evinced by the Governor, in his 
conversation with Maj. Piere, left no room to doubt that opposi- 
tion v;ould be made to the entrance of the American forces into the 
Town, altho' their avowed Enemies, the Indians & Brittish had 
been received & cherished by him, shortly before, with the ut- 
most cordiality & friendship ; consequently the Commanding Gen- 
eral prepared to meet such an event. It was also represented that, 
the eastern end of the Town offered fewer difficulties in approach- 
ing the Town than any other part, as there was no Block House 
on that quarter, and the distance from the Fort to the Bay too 
great for any effectual opperation from thence. 

The march commenced at 9 o'clock A. AI. in the following 
order, to-wit, the left column was composed of Captain Bean's 
company of Spies in front, with orders to file off and take pos- 
session of the old Fort St. George as soon as the army had passed 
through the woods near it. Captn. Laval with his company of the 
3rd Infantry followed by Captain Denkin & company of the 
same Regiment with two pieces of cannon, 12 Ibrs, under his 
command. The balance of the 3rd Infantry commanded by IMajor 
Jos. Woodruff. A small Battalion of troops belonging to the 39th 
& 44 Infantry commanded by Major Piere and followed by ]\Iaj. 
Hind's squadron of Territorial Dragoons. The Choctaw Indians, 
commanded by Maj. Blue of 39th Infantry, composed the centre 
column, and extended from the parallel of the front piece of Ar- 
tillery to a point opposite the rear of the U. S. Infantry. Colonel 
Williamson's dismounted Volunteer Gun-Men (part of General 
Coffee's Brigade) and part of Colonel Lowry's regiment of West 
Tennessee Militia composed the right column, of the same extent 
as the Centre column. The rear was closed, and covered, by 
Colonel Lauderdales Regiment of Mounted Gun-Men, of General 
Coffee's Brigade advancing in three columns. A circuitous rout 
of about 3 miles was pursued to the bank of the Bay, about one 
mile above the Town. Here the mounted Gun-Men were halted 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 75 

and formed a corps-de-reserve. The balance of the columns and 
Maj. Hind's Corps, advanced from hence through a thicket of 
live-oak bushes (the Indian column from hence composing the 
right column & Colonel Williamson's the Centre. The U. S. In- 
fantry & Artillery with Maj. Hind's corps as nearly along the Bay 
side as practicable. 

On entering the Town the column on the left entered the 
Centre street, on which the Block House stood. Colonel William- 
son, with the centre column entered the last, or next, street to 
the right, and the Choctaws, with Maj. Blue passed along the 
back part of the Town, and Houses in view of the Fort. The 
depth of the sand impeded the progress of the Artillery to such 
a degree, that the Infantry was compelled to pass it, having dis- 
covered two pieces of Artillery formed in battery & manned for 
their reception, near the Block House. This column moved briskly 
on, and received three fires from these pieces before they could 
reach them. They immediately commenced a heavy fire or mus- 
quetry (on receiving the first from the Battery) and continued 
it until it reached the Battery & took possession of the pieces, and 
such of the party as remained at the pieces on their reaching them. 
A firing took place anon from a garden on the left, and from the 
Block, and some other, House or Houses. They were soon silenced 
by the fire of the column. 

In this little conflict Captain Laval had his thigh shattered by 
a grape shot & Lieutenant Flourney had his leg broken, both by 
the firing of these pieces of Artillery. 3 or 4 American soldiers 
were also killed & some wounded. Several Spanish soldiers were 
reported to have been killed and wounded, the number not exactly 
ascertained. 

At the close of this little skirmish Colonel Williamson waited 
on the General, who had been viewing the conflict, and informed 
him that the Governor had come to his column with a flag and 
wished to see the General, saying at the same time, that he had 
surrendered. The General immediately proceeded, with the Col- 
onel, to the place appointed, which was at the Intendants ofiice, 



76 Smith College Studies in History 

on the street the Colonel had entered by, where he was met by 
the Governor and several other Spanish officers. From this place 
the General dispatched his orders to the several commanders of his 
columns, to station their men at such points as he had deemed most 
advisable for his, and their security, and to prevent a landing from 
the vessels, which appeared to have been attempted in one or two 
instances, and which was still apprehended, as these vessels were 
supposed, from rumour, to have 15 or 1,600 of a disposable force 
of sailors, marines & Indians. The artillery formed battery on 
the rear of the Town in full view, & reach of the Fort, supported 
by the Choctaw Indians and part of the Infantry & dismounted 
Gun-Men & Militia. Maj. Hind's corps and the balance of this 
centre column, continued to occupy the street in front of the 
Intendants. The Regulars [held] the street in which the conflict 
took place, and the Barracks & Barrack Yard on the street nearer 
the river or Bay. 

During the whole of these movements the shipping & Fort 
remained perfectly silent. This silence did not continue long, 
after the General had arrived at the Intendants. The Sea-Hock 
commenced a fire, and fired several shot over the Town, whether 
from a signal given from the Town or Fort could not be ascer- 
tained, though strongly suspected. About the same time some 
small armed Boats or Barges were discovered to be moving up 
the Bay & anchoring within reach of the shore, on which the col- 
umn's had advanced to the Town. One or two of the shot fired 
by the Frigate had passed over the Intendants very low. At this 
time the Governor was absent which lead to suspicions of some 
Treachery which the General determined to guard against. He 
accordingly dispatched a party to bring the Governor, and other 
parties to collect all the men they could find and bring them to 
the same House. He then told them his suspicions, warranted as 
he conceived by the Governors conduct in leaving that House and 
the firing commencing immediately after. That they were all now 
on an equal footing and that they would live and die together. The 
firing from that vessel ceased shortly after. The Barges that had 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 77 

ascended the Bay commenced a firing on such of the Americans 
as they could discover passing to and from the Corps-de-reserve, 
which some times happened, this firing had no effect. Lts. Call & 
Miller of the 3d & 44th Infantry were dispatched with one of the 
small pieces which composed the Spanish battery on our arrival, 
with which they commenced a fire on the Barges and finally drove 
them from their positions. 

Previous to this last movement it was reported to the General 
that a firing was heard in the direction of the Corps-de-reserve, 
supposed to be the Creek Indians, then protected by the Spaniards 
& Brittish, and that they had not crossed the Bay, as had been 
stated to Maj. Piere, but held in ambush up the west side of the 
Bay. In consequence of this information the General ordered 
the Choctaw Indians and Maj. Hind's Squadron to the aid of that 
Corps. These Troops were fired at by the Commandant of the 
Fort, although he had been previously advised by the Governor 
of his having agreed to a Surrender of that Fort to the Americans. 
Two of Maj. Hind's corps were wounded & 8 of his Horses killed, 
one or two Choctaws were also wounded which enraged them ac- 
cordingly but without occasioning any irregular conduct on their 
part : a very singular forbearance in savages. 

On the meeting of the Governor and General at the Intendants 
Office, a lengthy & interesting conversation took place which em- 
braced many serious charges of a Breach of Neutrality on the 
part of the Spanish Government, evidenced in the Conduct of him, 
the Governor, acting as their Chief Magistrate, particularly in 
his conduct in arming the renagade Indians of the Creek Nation, 
actually residing within the limits of the United States, until 
their recent removal from thence in consequence of the War 
which they had commenced against that Government, which drawn 
on them a necessary scourge, and which Indians were still the 
declared enemies of the United States. That after so arming said 
Indians he had suflfered them to commit acts of Hostility against 
the Citizens of said States, and plunder their property from them 
with impunity, thereby placing the Government committed to his 



78 Smith College Studies in History 

charge, in Hostile array against the said Government of the United 
States, and more perfectly confirm by him afterwards in his con- 
duct in suffering a known Belligerent power (the Brittish) to en- 
ter his ports, yielding them aid & comfort by delivering into their 
possession one of his Majesty's Forts for their protection & de- 
fence, and for the express purpose of enabling them to fit out 
expeditions from hence against the military posts & positions of 
said States, an evidence of which was incontrovertable in his 
acquiesance in the affair of Fort Bowyer when he actually per- 
mitted those very troops (the Indians) to be engaged, that he, 
himself, by letter dated 1st Sept., 15 days previous to said at- 
tack) had acknowledged to be troops that he had armed for the 
defense of his own Government. That another act of less im- 
portance also verified this charge of his breach of Neutrality, 
which happened on the night of the 3rd of September (three 
days after he had made the Indians his Majesty's soldiers) at the 
House & plantation of Mr. D 'Olive where that took a citizen of 
the United States prisoner, and two negroes the property of 
D'Olive another citizen which he had refused or neglected to have 
returned, or to disavow the act. To all of which charges, and sev- 
eral others of minor importance, he, the Governor, could urge noth- 
ing in paliation of his offences, but a difficiency of force to preserve 
the Neutrality of his Government, and seemed to charge every 
improper act done, to the account of the Brittish who had entered 
the port and whose conduct could not be controuled by him for 
want of such force, without reffering to any part of his own acts, 
which were perfectly within his own controul. To all of which 
the General replied, in substance, that he did not consider his acts, 
as warranted by orders of his Government, — that they were acts 
that merely displayed to view his own Hostility towards his Gov- 
ernment, but as his Government had thought proper to place 
the superintendent of that Government (West Florida) under his 
controul, he (the General) was determined to remove that enemy, 
then in the harbour, away if practicable, and secure his Govern- 
ment from similar injuries to those already received. That 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 79 

to do this it would be necessary that he should also be indulged, 
agreeable to Treaty, with similar treatment to that engaged by 
the Brittish and that he must also be furnished the possession of a 
Fort or Forts to protect his men, in the same manner that indul- 
gence had been extended towards his enemey, until he could 
effect the objects of his expedition to that place. That as he (the 
Governor) had declared his inability to protect the Neutrality of 
his Government, if he would agree to surrender into the hands of 
the Americans, the Forts at the Barrankas and on the Island of 
St. Rose his Neutrality should be protected until his Government 
should be furnished with a competant force for that purpose, 
when the said Forts should be re-delivered in Statu Quo to the 
Officer commanding such forces, for which he would pledge his 
Government through himself as their Commanding General in 
that quarter. 

Being present during this conversation, I concluded, from the 
triffling objections made to this reasonable proposition, that it 
would take effect. I have understood since that an order was 
signed, or agreed to be, for the above purposes. I well know that 
an order was actually signed for the delivery of the Fort near 
the Town and that it was sent to the commanding officer at the 
fort, directing the surrender of that Fort, previous to the time the 
firing took place at said Fort, on Maj. Hind's Corps & the Choc- 
taw Indians. It was understood between the parties that, three 
guns should be fired at the Fort, previous to the surrender, to 
shew that it was a A'oluntary act, and not a surrender founded on 
compulsion — such, at least, was my understanding. Shortly 
after the firing before stated, it was stated that the Commanding 
(and other officers) at the Fort had objected to the surrender 
agreed on, and refused to comply with the order sent for that 
purpose. On receiving the above information the Commanding 
General immediately ordered Captain Denkin to proceed with 
the artillery, by the rout we had entered the Town, and gain 
possession of the old Fort and prepare some part thereof in such 
manner as to form a battery against that occupied by the Spaniards. 



80 Smith College Studies in History 

This order is presumed to have been founded on a determination 
to force the surrender, if persisted in until the succeeding day. 
Such a determination was too plainly intimated to the Governor 
to leave him in doubt. The General then left Town on his return 
to the encampment, leaving Major Piere charged with the ar- 
rangements that might be necessary to be made with the Governor 
on the Topicks under consideration. Major Woodruff & other 
commanders of Corps were charged with the defence of the Town 
against any attempts that should be made by the Brittish to 
land, or re-occupy that place. 

On the way to the Encampment the General visitted the old 
Fort, and found that Captain Denkin, aided by Captain Butler 
of the 3rd Infantry & company, had nearly completed a work, 
on the ruins of that Fort, that would be commensurate with the 
object contemplated. 

From this last place the Commanding General dispatched 
the Judge Advocate, Mr. Gales, to Major Piere, requiring to be 
informed of what had been finally agreed upon as to the surrender 
of the Fort and received for answer the assurance that both the 
Governor & Commandant of the Fort had, at length agreed to a 
surrender, and that the American forces might proceed to take 
immediate possession. In consequence of this information Cap- 
tains Denkin & Butler were directed to advance with their com- 
panies & artillery and receive possession of that Fort, as agreed on. 
The General then returned to his Encampment with such of the 
forces as remained unemployed in other services. 

Shortly after night an explosion was discovered & heard 
in the direction of St. Rose Island which was then believed (and 
afterwards found) to proceed from the blowing up the Fort 
on the end of the Island by the Brittish Troops which had been 
for some time in possession thereof. 

NovR. 8th. 
Early on this morning the Commanding General received 
information that the Fort was in possession of Captn. Butler & 
company of the 3rd Infantry. That Captain Denkin & his company 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 81 

had not been received into the Fort, for want of room, as the 
Spanish Troops could not be removed at that late hour of the 
night with convenience. That some difficulty had arisen, also, on 
his arrival at the Fort, occasioned by the Commanding officer's 
having neglected to give the necessary information to the Officer 
left in charge. This inconvenience was soon obviated, and one 
company admitted, as before stated. 

On receiving the above information the Commanding General 
proceeded to the Town, escorted by part of Maj. Hind's Corps 
of Draeoons. On his arrival it was discovered that the Brittish 
Armed Vessels had taken very threatening positions near the shore, 
and so as to rake each of three principal cross-streets. That 
many signals were passing, and a vessel, supposed to be the 
Sophia 18 gun Brig ascending the Bay from the Barankas or near 
it. These movements gave rise to a suspicion that the Brittish 
intended to cannonade the Town. They did not, however, fire 
any gun at it while the General remained. The Spanish colors 
still waived on the Fort agreeable to stipulations agreed to be- 
tween the Governor & Maj. Piere, as offering a security to the 
Town, as against the fire apprehended. The Maj. had not been 
able to obtain the order for the delivery of the Fort at the Bar- 
ankas nor did there appear to be any prospect of obtaining such 
order. The Governor pretended that the Commanding Officer 
would not obey such order if issued. He could not. however, be 
prevailed upon by either the General or Major, to try the experi- 
ment, though frequently urged so to do. The General finding it 
would avail nothing to urge the proposition any further, returned 
to his encampment by the way of the Fort, satisfied that force 
was the only means to be employed to obtain that possession so 
anxiously wished, and sought for. This possession it was plain 
to discover, would place the Brittish Vessels, then in port, com- 
pletely under his controul, as well as preventing the entrance of 
others of a similar description. These were certainly objects of 
serious importance to the United States while in a state of War 
with their, then, enemy. The Barankas had been previously recon- 



82 Smith College Studies in History 

noitered and found to be accessible with little danger or loss. The 
real determination of the General on this subject I am unadvised 
of, but its importance was self evident. 

The Fort at the Town, on examination appeared to be too con- 
temptable for discription. It was small, old, weak and in a per- 
fect state of decay. The side next the Town composed of thick 
plank set on end as a stockade, and without any other aid whatever, 
a flame set to any other part would burn so furiously as to consume 
the whole in a very short time, and could not be extinguished. It 
did not possess any regular form of fortification, or any tolerable 
lines of defence. The ground adjoining afforded places of con- 
cealment, to the attacking foe within 40 paces of the Fort, that 
could be occupied, without discovery, on any dark night. 

About 2 o'clock P. M. several explosions took place at the Bar- 
ankas, to which place the shipping had descended, which were 
believed to proceed from the blowing up the fortifications and 
magazines at that place. Two detachments were sent by different 
routs to ascertain the certainty of this fact and the situation 
in which things remained there. 

NovR. 9th 
The detachments, sent to the Barankas on yesterday, returned 
early on this day and reported the destruction of that place 
by the Brittish. who had obtained possession by virtue of an order 
(as supposed) issued by the Governor of Pensacola, on, or about, 
the 2nd Instant. That the Troops (chiefly black) belonging to 
the Garrison had been embarked on board the Brittish Vessels. 
That it was stated by persons living at the Barankas that there 
were a number of negroes on board those Vessels belonging to the 
Inhabitants of West Florida, and that the whole of the Vessels 
had left the harbour and were standing to the Eastward and that 
it was said that the Spanish Troops would be landed at the Ha- 
vanna, but not believed. That the Houses on the Hill, overlook- 
ing the Fort, had been destroyed, and a store house blown up, 
said to contain about 300 barrels powder belonging to the Garrison. 
That many families were left destitute of shelter for themselves 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 83 

and property, and waiting for the means of conveyance from 
thence. 

The destruction of the fortifications at the Barankas having 
rendered the possession thereof of no importance to the American 
Government, in its then situation, The General directed the prep- 
arations to be immediately made for the return march. The 
principal part of the day was spent in procuring corn, flour, &c. 
The Brittish had left some flour, Liquor and some triffling articles 
on shore, when they embarked ; these had been secured. 

It was stated in Pensacola, that the Negroes taken from 
D'Olive's place on the 3rd September, were taken away by the 
Brittish, although captured by the Governors Indian Corps. What 
measures will be pursued by him to regain them and relieve the 
3 Spanish sailors, confined as Hostages for the redelivery, at Mo- 
bile, is left to conjecture. 

At about 4 o'clock P. M. the army commenced its return march 
and proceeded about 1>^ miles and Encamped. 

NovR. 10th 
The army proceeded, on the return march, at 7 o'clock A. AI. 
having first detached a strong party to Pensacola to procure a 
further supply of forage, and several other parties (one on last 
evening) of a few men for purposes unknown to me. The army 
Encamped at the same Encampment on which they haa halted on 
the night of the 5th near Boyles's, and remained for the night. 

The detachment that left the army on last evening was con- 
ducted by Boyles as their guide, who has proved to be a firm 
friend and an active, brave partisan. His residence in this coun- 
try, and knowledge of its geography, proved of considerable ad- 
vantage to the Commanding General. The party with him had 
ariven at his House before the army reached that place, they had 

j . taken about 200 head of Black-Cattle, stated to have been plundered 
by the Governors Indian Corps from the Citizens of the United 

1 States principally, and driven into the neighborhood of that place 
for either sale or use. 



84 Smith College Studies in History 

Apprehensions for the safety of the person of Boyles (after 
conducting himself so friendly towards the Americans) was so 
serious as to induce the General to direct that, he be supplyed 
with one of the Empty Waggons, and assisted in leaving the place 
of his residence for some place near the boat-yard, where he had 
concluded to make his place of residence until he could return home 
with safety. 

It was stated by several creditable officers, and gentlemen who 
had volunteered from the Tombigby settlements, that this return 
march, so suddenly commenced, had created uneasiness in the 
minds of the citizens of Pensacola who had hoped, it seemed, that 
the Americans would continue to occupy that place, as a military 
post. They stated that they had suffered considerable damage and 
insult from the occupancy of that place by the Brittish & Indians, 
who were countenanced in their rapacity & licensciousness by 
Nichols, who they asserted to be little better than a Brute in Hu- 
man form, who rather encouraged than controuled them in every 
act of wanton depravity. That they expressed themselves highly 
pleased with the conduct of the American forces, and were truly 
astonished at the regularity with which the Choctaw's conducted 
themselves, from whom they had expected to have received much 
injury & abuse. That they had found them far more decent & cor- 
rect than the Brittish soldiers, though savages. That they had 
never believed it possible for so large an Army to enter any Town, 
under such circumstances, without committing some outrage on 
the person or property of some of the Citizens, until convinced 
of their error by the American & Indian troops. That they ex- 
pected to suffer serious injuries, addition, injuries from the Brit- 
tish in case of their return. 

The two pieces of Artillery fired on us, when entering the 
Town, had been taken possession of, by the American forces, 
and were never re-claimed by the Spanish authority at that place, 
the proprietor was doubtful. They might belong to the Brittish, 
or Spaniards, as they were of French manufacture, with equal 
propriety, and as the latter set up no claim to them, the General 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 85 

ordered them to be brought with the army. They were taken to 
Mobile. 

It was said that the Inhabitants of Pensacola stated that the 
negroes taken from thence by the Brittish, amounted to about 300. 

NovR. Uth 
Proceeded on the return march at 7 o'clock A. M. and encamped 
at Pine Barren Creeke at the encampment of the 4th at 25 m. 

12th 
Proceeded at 7 o'clock A. M. and marched 19 miles and en- 
camped at Cochrans Cowpens, near the head of the Perdido. The 
fork at this place is only a branch of 8 or 10 paces wide. 

13th 

Continued the return march at 7 o'clock A. M. Passed Fort 
Montgomery at 17 miles and march in all 19^/2 miles to the 
Boat-Yard, having compleated the expedition to Pensacola and 
back (a distance of 80 miles to, and from that place) in 15 days, — 
3 days of which period was devoted to acts, and movements, which 
took place at that Town and in its vicinity. 

14th, 15th & 16th 

These three days were devoted to the arrangements, necessary 
to be made by the Commanding General previous to his departure 
for :Mobile. 

At this place the General received information that Brigadier 
General Taylor with one regiment of his Brigade from East 
Tennessee, and a part of Colonel Pipkin's regiment from West 
Tennessee from Fort Jackson, had arrived at Fort Claibourne on 
their march to this place. That Major Childs from East Ten- 
nessee, with about 500 volunteer Gun-Men, mounted, had also 
arrived at the same place, in order to join General CoflFee's Bri- 
gade. Major Russell had arrived a few days ago, with about 200 
Volunteer mounted Gun-Men from West Tennessee, which he had 
dismounted at the Cut-ofT and had joined the Commanding Gen- 
eral with, near Pensacola on the evening the return march com- 
menced, and had joined General CoflFee's Corps. 



86 Smith College Studies in History 

The command of Fort Montgomery was therefore allotted to 
General Taylor, on his arrival, with his own Brigade and, perhaps, 
some other forces. 

Major Blue of the 39th Infantry, with. Major Russels com- 
and and several companies of General Coffee's Brigade, with 
Major Child's Corps, all mounted Gun-men and as many of the 
Choctaws as could be gotten to Volunteer, was ordered to Scout 
the Country on both sides of the Escambay, and its waters, in 
search of the Hostile Creek Indians; and that after performing 
this service, Major Russel with his men and the companies be- 
longing to General Coffee's Brigade, should Scour the Country on 
each side of the Cauhauha river, and destroy all hostile Indians 
found in that quarter. 

On the 16th, the two companies of the 44th and a small de- 
tachment of the 39th, newly enlisted. Infantry, descended the 
river for Mobile. On the same day the 3rd Infantry marched for 
their former station, at their cantonment on Portage Creek, three 
miles from the Town of Mobile. The Infantry that declined vol- 
unteering under Maj. Blue, and such of the militia as had com- 
pleated their term of service, were ordered to be dismissed. The 
Territorial Militia, under the command of Lieut. Colonel Perkins 
were ordered to repair to Mobile, as soon as possible, after the ar- 
rival of General Taylor & his forces. 

NovR. 17th 

On this day the Commanding General & suit left the Boat- 
Yard and proceeded to Judge Toulmans, on his way to the town 
of Mobile. Passed General Coffee with the Balance of his Brigade 
at Carson's ferry, on the Tombigby. This Brigade had been or- 
dered to the Vicinity of Batton-Rouge on the Mississippi river, at 
which place considerable supplies of corn, from West Tennessee 
was expected to arrive about this time. This Brigade contained 
about from 14 to 1,600 men at this time. 

The scarcity of the article of corn had been severely felt on 
the late excursion, which had reduced the Horses of both Cavalry 
& Mounted Gun-Men so much as to render them incompetent to 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 87 

any immediate active service, which circumstance had, in part, 
occasioned this movement. i\rajor Hind received orders, at the 
same time to repair to the Vicinity of Natchez and have the 
Horses belonging to his Squadron recruited. Each of those corps 
were to hold themselves in readiness to march at the shortest notice, 
which was then believed, would be in the direction of New Or- 
leans, to which place the General contemplated starting shortly 
after his arrival at Mobile. 

NovR. 18th 
Proceeded from Judge Toulmans at 8 o'clock and halted at 
Chiccasaw-Bogue, or 12 Mile Creek, at 28 miles. 

19th 
At 8 o'clock A. M. the Commanding General & suit proceeded 
to Mobile, where they arrived at about II o'clock A. I\I., distance 
12 miles. 

20th 

The two companies of the 44th Infantry sailed, to join their 
Regiment at New Orleans. 

Five Brittish Prisoners were committed to the charge of 
the Commanding Officer of this detachment, to be conveyed to 
the ]\Iarshal of the State of Louisiana. 

The above prisoners had been taken on board of a Schooner 
laden with flour, by a party of the 2nd Infantry from Fort Bow- 
yer, in the absence of the General, on the 12th Instant. These 
prisoners state that this Schooner was one of several Vessels 
laden at Alexandria in Virginia with the plunder of that Town. 
That she sailed under convoy of the Sea-Hook frigate and was 
separated from her in a storm, as well as several others. That 
they were destined for Pensacola, to join the Squadron at that 

place. 

NovR. 21ST. 

This, and the preceeding day were devoted to the duties of 
issuing such orders as were deemed necessary in this quarter, 
preparatory to the Commanding General's leaving this post, for 



88 Smith College Studies in History 

New Orleans, where his presence had become indispensably nec- 
essary. 

The whole of the country traversed from hence to Pensacola 
is a continued Pine Barren, excepting only a small quantity on 
each side of the river and adjoining thereto, with the Cut-ofif 
Island, afifording no prospect of advantage to the farmer or 
planter. It affords a good range for Black-Cattle and would an- 
swer well for procuring naval stores & Lumber. The face of the 
country is principally a plain sometimes of sandy, and at others, 
cold, level & swashy, particularly in the winter & spring when they 
are nearly covered with water several inches in depth. For sev- 
eral miles immediately around Pensacola, the lands are too sterile 
to grow the timber to any tolerable size. On each side of the 
Escambia, Conaker & Yellow water (all of which empty into the 
same Bay) it is represented that, there are some lands capable 
of afifording tolerable good, small, settlements. The Perdido is 
less fertile than the Escambia waters, and only afifords a few 
places which will admit of a tolerable plantation. 

How far the waters of the Escambia will admit of boat Navi- 
gation, above Pensacola, I could not ascertain, certainly, but from 
the best information, about 30 to 40 miles. The Inhabitants of 
the Florida country generally, and particularly in, and about 
Pensacola, depend entirely on other states or Kingdoms for Bread- 
stuffs and a considerable proportion of their meats. The settlers 
appear to be a dirty, indolent, indigent people. The Male Inhabi- 
tants of the Town are said to be all under the pay of the Crown 
either as soldiers, or Mechanics. Most of the residents of this 
province live in the Town. Those of the country reside, chiefly 
on the Escambia & its waters. 

The Bay afifords an excellent harbor & fine Anchorage for 
shipping. The depth of water on the Bar is stated to be from 
20 to 24 feet according to the state of the Tide, which depends 
much on Winds. This Bay is wide and lengthy, and capable of 
afifording shelter to from two to 3,000 Vessels of diflferent sizes. 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 89 

The Fort at the Barrankas is 9 miles below the Town, and com- 
mands the entrance into the harbor. 

NovR. 22d 

The necessary orders having been issued, and other arrange- 
ments compleated, the command of this post (Mobile) was com- 
mitted (with its dependencies) to the charge of Lt. Colonel M. 
Arbuckle of the 3rd Infantry (and senior officer in this depart- 
ment of the District) until the arrival of Brigadier General Win- 
chester, whose arrival was daily expected, and for whose direc- 
tions orders had been issued & left with the said commandant, or 
forwarded to meet him at Fort St. Stephens. 

At 5 o'clock P. M. the Commanding General & suit accom- 
panied by Maj. Piere of the 44th Infantry left Mobile and pro- 
ceeded on their way for New Orleans, via Chefonta, to Page's 5 
miles and halted for the night. 

23rd 
Proceeded at 5 o'clock A. M. Crossed Portage Creek at 3 miles, 
a small distance below its source. Passed a few triffling improve- 
ments on the road to Page's — two near his House, and one on 
each side of Portage Creek, at the crossing. Took a right hand 
Toad at 15 miles which leads up between Dog-River and Chickasaw 
Bogue. Proceeding from the fork of this road, crossed a branch 
of dog-river at 3 miles and another at 5 miles, and arrived at 
Jordons Ferry on Dog-river, at 30 miles and halted for the night. 
The country passed over on this day, consisted of Poor, Pine 
Barren, fit only for Naval stores and stock range. 

The rout from Mobile to this place is circuitous but, from 
the best information that could be obtained, and experiments made 
with a Pocket Compass, the direct course is from No. 60 to 70° 
West, distant about 20 miles. It is believed that a direct road 
might be, conveniently, opened to this ferry that would shorten 
the distance at least 10 miles, from that now travelled, and on 
ground equally firm & dry. The lands continue poor to the bank 
of the river. 



90 Smith College Studies in History 

NovR. 24th 

Proceeded at 8 o'clock A. M. Crossed dog-river, which is 
about 20 paces wide, at the commencement of this days travel. 
This river, which the Indians call Ouskalauba, Empties into the 
Bay of Pasquagola, the ascent is from No. Wt. to North. It runs 
nearly parallel with the Mobile river, at the distance of from 20 
to 30 miles from the Mobile river. It is stated to have its source 
about the latitude of Fort St. Stephen's — at 3 miles from hence 
the road forks. Proceeded on the left hand fork 5 miles, in all 
8 miles, to the Federal road leading from Fort St. Stephens to 
Pearl river, continued along this road passing a fork to the left 
at 3 miles, which leads to Pasquagola river, 12 miles below Gattins 
ferry. Passed Evans's at 13 miles from Jordans ferry — Colonel 
Skinners at 15 miles and reached Gattins, on the west bank of the 
Chickasaw-Hay (or Chicasaw river) at from 18 to 20 miles & 
halted for the night. 

The Chickasaw-Hay and Leaf river form a junction about 10 
miles below this ferry, from whence the Pasquagola commences 
(formed by this junction). Gattin states that from this junction 
it is 109 miles by water to the Bay of Pasquagola, and that any 
Vessel that can enter that Bay, can be navigated as high up as the 
said junction. That at almost any season of the year, vessels 
drawing not more than 5 feet water can ascend the Chicasaw-Hay 
at least 130 miles above the junction, to a place called Buckatania, 
a creek emptying into this river, which affords the prospect of a 
fair settlement at no distant period. That the Leaf river can be 
navigated with vessels of this last description, to the distance of 
about 60 miles above the junction. 

These two rivers are, each, about 50 paces wide at the crossings 
of this road. The Chickasaw-Hay is stated to water a fertile coun- 
try, with a considerable quantity of rich, valuable bottom land 
bordering on the river, but subject to inundations in the winter & 
spring seasons. 

The Federal road turns to the left near Colonel Skinners and 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 91 

is seldom used at this day. It is probable it will fall into disuse, 
entirely, in a short time. 

The Chickasavv-Hay and Pasquagola are settled in their full 
extent. Its general course is something East of North, in its 
ascent. 

The general course from Mobile Town to Gattins, is about No. 
45° West. 

The lands are very poor from dog-river to Skinners, after 
which they are of a quality that promise to afford tolerable set- 
tlements. 

On entering the Federal-Road, fell in with General Coffee's 
Brigade, on its way to Batton-Rouge. They arrived, and en- 
camped at Gattins on this evening, about one-half having crossed 
before the Commanding General arrived. 

NovR. 25th 

Proceeded from Gattins at 8 o'clock A. M. Passed over poor 
lands 7 miles to Otebbayhoy Creek, thence down the creek through 
good lands, one mile to Hogans ferry, on Leaf river, at the mouth 
of said creek. Crossed Leaf river 50 paces wide, from whence 
it is called 18 miles to Joseth Mimms's ferry on Black-Creek, a 
fork of Pasquagola river. Proceeded from Leaf river about 40 
ch. through good Bottom land to the high lands, on which were 
two improvements nearly adjoining the Bottom, and about % 
miles from the ferry. Near these improvements, the roads fork. 
The left leading down Leaf river to the Pasquagola. The right 
to Mimms's & Evans's ferries on the before named Black Creek. 
Proceeded along the road leading to the right and travelled over 
poor, pine lands, but more level than that heretofore passed on 
this day. Passed Durmans stand at 12 miles. This is the only 
house until you reach one of the ferry's. Two roads enter this, 
from the right, which crosses the Leaf river at different places (or 
ferries) above Hogans, at the distance of 5 & 9 miles. Crossed 
several small streams this day. Course Travelled, nearly West 
the whole distance to Mimms's, where the Commanding General, 



92 Smith College Studies in History 

&c. arrived in the evening and halted for the night, on the East 
side of the Creek, at 28 miles. 

Nov, 26th 

Proceeded from Mimms's and crossed Black Creek at 8 o'clock 
A. M. and travelled over poor, piney lands interspersed with broad, 
flat (reedy swamps & branches, to Fords stand where (in conse- 
quence of the excessive rains, and for the advantage of obtaining 
forage) the party Halted for the night. 

Black Creek is about 30 yds. wide and could be Bridged to 
great advantage. It empties into Pasquagola below the mouth of 
Leaf river. 

27th 

Proceeded this day at 7 o'clock A. M. Crossed Bogue Homo, 
Red Creek, at 7^ miles. Crossed another creek at 27 miles and 
Pearl river at 28^^ miles. Pearl Hunts improvement at 12^^ 
miles, from Fords stand. Hunts Improvement lies on Wolf Creek 
a branch of the Bay of St. Louis. Bogue Homo (or Red Creek) 
is a fork of Wolf Creek. At 6 miles from Hunts, passed Mrs. 
Waltons stand. From Hunts it is stated to be 40 miles to the 
Bay of St. Louis. 

Crossed Pearl river at Fords Ferry and travelled 2^ miles to 
John Fords Fort, in all 31 miles and halted for the night. 

Pearl river is commonly about 100 paces wide, but at this time 
150 in consequence of the heavy rains which had recently fell. 
It derives its name from the numerous pearl shells that cover the 
bottom of this river, and give it handsome appearance in low 
water. 

The lands on each side, at the crossing, for about one mile from 
the river, are excellent bottom. 

From Mr. Ford, an intelligent man, I obtained the informa- 
tion that this river is navigable for barges from its mouth, as 
high up as the. Choctaw agency, and for sloops and schooners only 
20 miles above the mouth. This defect I apprehend to be owing to 
a large raft of Timber which has settled at the meeting of the 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 93 

Tides and has obstructed the passage of the river for nearly its 
whole width. It is certain that the water is sufficiently deep above 
this raft, for sloops & schooners to a considerable distance. 

The Choctaw agency is about 100 miles, nearly north, from 
Fords Fort & Ferry, and from thence to the Regalotter, at the 
mouth of the river, is about 70 miles. A considerable number of 
settlements are stated to be on Pearl river, above this place, and 
some few below, on each side of the river. It appears probable, 
from Mr. Fords information, that the uper part of this country 
will ailford valuable settlements within the space of a few years. 

This road forks at Fords Fort, the right leading towards Bat- 
ton-Rouge. via Pinkneyville, it crosses the Amite river at 70 
miles, passes Pinkneyville at 100 miles and reaches Batton-Rouge 
at 150 miles. 

The nearest way to Batton-Rouge is only 130 miles but is seldom 
Travelled, as it is not sufficiently improved to claim the attention 
of the traveller. This road crosses the Amite river near Galvez 
Town and is very swampy in many places. 

The General course from Gattins to Fords is believed to be 
nearly West from the best observations that could be made or 
information obtained. 

NovR. 28th 
Proceeded from Fords about 9 o'clock A. M. on the rout to 
Chefonta, on the road leading to the left. Crossed Fords Mill 
Creek near the House and another of his Mill Creeks at 2 miles. 
The widows creek at 4 miles. Jones's Creek at 6 miles. Another 
2d, Jones's Creek at 8 miles. Pearsons Creek at 10 miles. Push- 
matappa Creek at 11 miles. Adams's Creek at 14 miles. Peters's 
Creek at 15>^ miles. Two forks of Coburns Creek at 17>4 
miles. Richardsons Branch at 19 miles & Bogue Lucy, or Black 
Creek, at 20 miles. There are settlements at the crossings of 
nearly the whole of those creeks & branches, and also above and 
below the crossings. On this rout there are several tracts of land 
timbered with a mixture of Oak & Pine that appears capable of 
affording Tolerable plantations, but the lands, in general, are 



94 Smith College Studies in History 

flat, Piney & swampy, and of small value except for the Timber 
they afford, which would be very useful to the mill holders if the 
navigation of the Pearl river was opened. 

The course from Fords to Pushmatappa is nearly So. So. East 
& from thence to Bogue Lucy (or Black Creek) about So. So. 
West. 

Proceeded from hence to John Alstons on Bogue-Chitty 10 
ms., in all 30 miles, and halted after night. 

Bogue-Chitty and all other waters crossed this day, empty into 
Pearl-River. This Creek (Bogue-Chitty) is about 50 paces in 
width and stated, by Alston, to be navigable to the distance of 40 
to 50 miles above this place. He states it to be 10 or 12 ms. to its 
junction with Pearl river. That it unites below the Raft before 
mentioned and of course not subject to the same inconvenience, 
in its navigation, as Pearl river. It contains a narrow strip of 
good lands on each side and is well settled near the creek, on both 
sides. Big Creek is the English of Bogue Chitty, or Chitta. It is 
80 miles from hence to Batton-Rouge — 16^^ miles to the Town 
of Wharton on the waters of Chefonta, and 24^/^ or 25 miles to 
Maddisonville 2 miles above the mouth of Chefonta. On this day 
the party had to swim three creeks. 

NovR. 29th 

Proceeded from Alston's and crossed the Creek at 6 o'clock 
A. M. Passed over a good piece of Bottom Land and swam a 
Bayou at the extreme edge at William Roses plantation at about 
}i miles. Passed the old cantonment on Little Feliah (or little 
Long Creek) at 11 miles. Near this place there is an excellent 
Saw-Mill on the same creek. Proceeded in all 16>^ miles to the 
Town of Wharton on Big Feliah (or Big Long Creek) a fork of 
the Chefonta river. The Indians call both these creeks Bogue 
Feliah, and distinguish them by the Greater & Smaller, or Big & 
Little, and these names are still retained by the settlers. 

Wharton is a small new Town containing but a few ordinary 
buildings. It is the seat of justice for the county in which it 
stands, and is situated at the head of navigation, on the bank of 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 95 

the creek. Sloops & Schooners ply hetween this place and the 
Bridge on the Bayou St. Johns, two miles distant from the Town 
of Orleans. It is said to be 30 miles by water, and not more than 
10 miles by land, from hence to the entrance into the Lake Pon- 
chentrain. It is 8 miles from Wharton to IMaddisonville, making 
in all 24J^ miles from Alstons to the latter Town. 

The lands from near Alstons (say from Roses) are very poor 
and the growth altogether pine. About 5 miles of the distance 
between his residence and the Cantonment has been laid nearly bare 
of Timber by a severe Hurricane. The lands from Wharton to 
the Town of Maddisonville are a mixture of Pine and Oak and 
contain several Tolerable farms & plantations. 

The whole of this rout contains excellent range for Black-Cat- 
tle which has become an object of primary Importance with the 
settlers in this quarter, cattle being considered as a species of 
circulating medium in most of their contracts. In fact, this cur- 
rency circulates pretty generally from hence to, and on. the waters 
of Tombigby & Mobile rivers. 

From Wharton proceeded to Maddisonville & halted for the 
night, on the way crossed the IMain Chefonta river (about 60 to 
80 paces wide) at 3 miles. 

It is estimated that the whole length of this river, on a direct 
line runing from So. East to North West does not exceed 30 miles. 
The Course travelled this day was about So. So. West. 

The Town of Maddisonville is situated on the West bank of 
the Chefonta river about 2 miles from its junction with Lake 
Ponchentrain. This Town is small and indifferently improved. It 
lies about 2 miles, also, from the Navy- Yard. The only importance 
that can be attached to this place is, its advantageous situation as 
a depot for country produce destined for New Orleans, distant 
about 30 miles, and also from its being the most advantageous 
place of landing, for all travellers from New Orleans, to Tennessee, 
Kentucky, Mobile & the back parts of Georgia. The distance 
from New Orleans, via Maddisonville, is now ascertained as not 
exceeding 200 miles, whereas by the way of the Levey road. Bat- 



96 Smith College Studies in History 

ton-Rouge, Natchez, Washington, &c. is. at least, 350 or 360 miles. 
This disproportion is much greater to those travellers that are 
bound for Mobile or the Tombigby settlements, Georgia, &:c. 

It is evident from this statement, that the growth & prosperity 
of this place must eventually depend upon the whims and caprices 
of mankind, when it is considered, in addition, that the country 
around v/ill scarcely ever be able to produce more than the 
necessary provision for the support of life. Great quantities of 
Tar-Pitch and Turpentine might be prepared for use and ex- 
portation in the adjacent country, but, I apprehend a new supply 
of (more industrious) settlers must first inhabit this country. 

NovR. 30th 

Embarked at 10 o'clock A. M. on board of Collins's Packet 
and proceeded across the lake to Fort St. Johns at the mouth of 
the Bayou distant 22 miles at which place we arrived about 8 
o'clock P. M. From thence proceeded up the Bayou 6 miles to 
the Bayou Bridge 2 miles in the rear of New Orleans, and arrived 
at that place between 10 & 11 o'clock that night, and landed at 28 
miles. 

I am not able to describe the Fort St. Johns having only seen it 
in the Night when passing by it. 

Decr. 1st, 1814 

Early this morning the Senior (and other) officers stationed at 
New Orleans, and a number of respectable citizens, from the 
city, waited on the General, accompanied by an Escort of Vol- 
unteer Cavalry, and accompanyed him (about 10 o'clock) to Fort 
St. Charles, where he was received with the usual salutation from 
the Fort, on his entrance, and retired to the Quarters of the In- 
spector General Avhere he remained until Quarters were provided 
for himself & staff, to which he retired on the evening of the 
second, when he assumed the command of this department of his 
district. 

The first days of the General's arrival at New Orleans was 
devoted to the acquisition of such information, upon various points, 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 97 

as were deemed necessary, in order, to enable him to adopt the 
most efficacious plan for the defence of Louisiana, and of Orleans 
in {)articular. against threatened, and expected Invasions, by the 
enemy who were at this time ascertained to have reached our coast. 

Field works & Batteries, it was easy to discover, would be nec- 
essary, and no Engineers had been allotted & sent to this depart- 
ment. Pro. Tem. appointments were necessarily to I)e resorted to, 
as being less expensive than hiring by contract. Mons. Latour 
who had been employed by General Wilkerson, and afterwards by 
Lieutt. Colonel McRea, was busily engaged in placing Fort St. 
Leon (at the lower end of the English Town) in a state of de- 
fence. Monsr. A. Lacarriu Latour was therefore appointed 
principal, and Mr. Lewis Livingston Assistant Engineers Pro. 
Tem. Orders for the regulation of the different departments were 
issued embracing also the police, &c. to be preserved by each, and 
such other objects as the General deemed proper and necessary. 
An address was also published to the Citizens & Militia soldiers 
& Volunteers, whose interests & property were more immediately 
subject to injury or spoilation from an invading foe, recommend- 
ing the utmost cordiality, energy & union, in their several exertions 
in the common cause. As a large majority of the population were 
Frenchmen or their descendants, he called to their recollection the 
Enemy they would have to combat. That they were the natural 
enemies of their country & people. That it was falacious to think 
concord could exist between English & French citizens or sub- 
jects. He reminded them of the noble achievements of their 
gallant countrymen when opposing the encroachments of this vin- 
dictive people. They were urged to union amongst themselves. 
That they had now, to defend their dearest interests, their property, 
wives, children, and every thing dear to free and independent men. 
That the citizens of the United States from the uper country 
was on their way to assist them. That this was an evidence of 
the interest their fellow citizens of America took in preserving to 
them their rights & property, in now stepping forward to defend 



98 Smith College Studies in History 

both against their impacable enemy, whose only object was plunder 
and outrage. 

The address had a very salutary effect in reconciling the various 
political (discordant) parties, and uniting them ardently in the 
common cause. The people of colour were almost enthusiasts in 
the cause of the country against the invaders. 

Decr. 4th 

On this day the Commanding General & his aid-du-camp, 
accompanied by Commodore Patterson, the two Engineers and 
myself, acting as Topographical Engineer, Embarked on board 
one of the Gun-Boats on this station, on a visit to Fort St. Philips 
at Placquamine 75 miles below New Orleans. This Fort was 
found to be in an excellent state of defence requiring but small 
additions, excepting men. The Barracks consisting of wooden 
buildings were ordered to be prostrated. A Battery to consist 
of 2 32-lb. long guns was ordered to be opened in the face of the 
Glacis opposite the lower angle of the Fort. This battery was 
ordered to be so constructed as to opperate directly upon Vessels 
ascending the river, and obliquely until abreast of the Fort. Two 
other points were selected on which Batteries were to have been 
erected, as auxiliaries to the Fort, at the distance of 60 & 120 
chain above the Fort — ^the lower on the opposite, and the uper, 
on the same or left side, with the principal works. These were not 
compleated previous to the attack (subsequently made) as will be 
seen — postia. 

On the return from Fort St. Philips several points were viewed 
which offered advantageous situations for errecting fortifica- 
tions, that would command the river, and prevent a naval expedi- 
tion from effecting any important ol)ject against New-Orleans, 
but none (except Fort St. Philips) that did not afford, also, am- 
ple situations below them for landing an xA.rmy, and marching to 
the city, without being annoyed by the said Batteries. These points 
were altogether above point La-Hash,^ 45 miles below New Or- 



* Pointe-Ia-Hache. 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 99 

leans. From thence down to Placquamine there is no good situa- 
tion for fortifications, or landing & marching troops, as nearly the 
whole of that distance, on each side of the river is a swampy 
Marsh, or deep prairie almost inaccessable to a single foot-man, 
and much less to a body of men. 

The General also visited the Cantonment near the lower end 
of the English Turn, where the Louisiana troops were then En- 
camped and had commenced erecting a line of defence from the 
river, back to the Swamp. A small battery was about to be erected 
on the river bank at the end of the line, calculated to defend the 
passage of the river & aid Fort St. Leon, a small distance above on 
the right bank. These works promissed, when compleated, to 
afford ample protection for the troops destined to occupy them. 
Fort St. Leon is the remains of an old Fort of that name and 
what remains of it is strongly built and might be made important 
in obstructing the progress of Vessels ascending the river, and, 
also, formidable to a land force advancing up the right bank of the 
river, by stretching a line of defence from the Fort to the Swamp 
at no great distance. 

It is almost impossible for an Invading enemy to gain pos- 
session of New Orleans (with any thing like an equal force) by 
ascending the Mississippi, even after passing Fort St. Phillips, if 
proper modes of defence are persued. At the English Turn, in 
particular, a few batteries of heavy cannon errected at dififerent 
points, would destroy every Armed Vessel that dared to attempt 
the ascent, as it is impossible to round this Turn without the as- 
sistance of different winds, the waiting for which would prove 
their utter destruction, as they must remain subject to the fire of 
one or more of the batteries, during such delay, unless a land force 
can first gain possession of them. This would be a difficulty not 
easily surmounted with any thing like an equal force, as the op- 
posing, local, army on either side of the river have the advantage 
of occupying excellent places for erecting strong lines of defence 
runing from the river, back to impenetrable sw^amps. The greatest 
disadvantage to the local army would result from the necessity 



100 Smith College Studies in History 

of having an army on either side equal to the defence of the Hne 
on such side, against the whole force of the invading Enemy, with- 
out depending on the troops of the contrary sides for reenforce- 
ments, which would be too uncertain, and often impossible to be 
sent in due time. The most effectual means, however, of prevent- 
ing invasions by way of the river will be found to result from the 
erection of proper, additional, strong works in the Vicinity of 
Plaquimine (St. Philips) situated in such manner as that the whole 
can act with, or support, the principal. 

The Commanding General & party reached Head Quarters, 
New Orleans, in the night of the 9th after an absence of 6 days 
and making a full examination, into the strength and state of the 
works visited, and directing the measures necessary to their com- 
pletion and defence, in case of attack, or invasion. 

Decr. 11th 
On the day the Commanding General, with the field Engineers 
Latour & Livingston and several other Officers & Gentlemen, Vis- 
itted the pass Chef Menteur which leads out of Lake Ponchentrain 
into Lake Borne and fixed on a place at the Mouth of the Bayou 
Savage as a site on which it was purposed to errect a small battery 
to guard the passage and check, or prevent, the passage of the 
enemy through that pass, to Fort St. John. This pass is about 
150 paces wide and has not more than five feet water on the bar. 
It is, however, a good passage for Barges of a large class. The 
mouth of the Bayou Savage is 24 miles from Orleans. The road 
from the City runs along the side of the Bayou for 20 miles of this 
distance. It is called the Jentilly Road. The mouth of the Bayou 
is about one mile above the entrance from Lake Borne into the 
pass. The site at the mouth of the Bayou is commanding, and the 
only one that could be found to answer the same purpose. From 
the mouth of this Bayou down to the point and across to Lake 
Borne in a South East direction is a Marsh Prairie inaccessable. 
Three miles above the mouth of the Bayou is another large Prairie 
which extends across, also, to lake Borne on a So. So. East direc- 
tion, distant about 3 miles. This Prairie is also believed to be im- 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 101 

passible by any body of men, and continues along the lake Borne 
so as to join the Prairie at the mouth of Chef Menteur. Lake 
Borne receives the Bayou Beenvence at the distance of 7 or 8 
miles from Chef Menteur pass, on a direction of nearly West, 
South West. Although these prairies are believed to be impassable, 
yet serious apprehensions have been entertained that a landing 
would be effected in this quarter. Of course strong guards v^^ere 
stationed at this last place during the continuance of the Enemy 
in our waters. A proper knowledge of the true situation of this 
place it is presumed would have obviated the necessity of this 
measure. 'It will be sufficient here to observe, that no correct in- 
formation could be obtained, respecting the Topography of any 
part of this country, even from the best informed persons of the 
Country, or City. It appeared that scarcely any person had made 
enquiry further than the limits of his own possessions, and many 
had failed to acquire even that knowledge, or if they possessed it, 
did not choose to communicate it, least it might lead to a discovery 
of some smuggling passage into the Lakes, from the river. Every 
exertion was, however, made use of to obtain correct Informa- 
tion. 

An attempt to invade by the way of Chef Menteur along the 
Jentilly road would have been the most advantageous to the de- 
fenders of any rout the enemy could have attempted, as the space 
between the Bayou Savage & the impenetrable swamps on each 
side was so narrow that half the number of the defending force 
could have perfectly destroyed the whole army in half the distance 
to the city, as they could not move one mile at any time without 
being within the fire of an ambuscading force. The roads were too 
deep for the passage of artillery, and the woods too thick & brushy 
for the exercise of the bayonet, which circumstance would perfectly 
expose them to a continual fire of riflemen without a possibility 
of returning the fire with any effect whatever. 

Decr. 15th 
Several important [steps] were adopted and enforced, after the 
11th and previous to this day, which my limited informaton does 



102 Smith College Studies in History 

not enable me to detail correctly. One was to reinforce the garrison 
of Fort St. Philips, but to what extent I am not advised. General 
Morgan was also named by the Governor to the command of the 
Louisiana & Mississippi drafted Militia, and assumed his com- 
mand at the Cantonment, nearly opposite Fort St. Leon. The 
duties of placing obstructions in the different Bayou's & canals 
above & below New Orleans, was given in charge to different 
Officers. The Bayou Bienvenue in particular to Major General 
Villery whose canal communicated with that Bayou, and be- 
lieved to be accessible to the enemy's craft. 

On yesterday a report reached the Commanding General that, 
a heavy cannonade was heard in the direction of the Regoletts, 
and on this day that report was confirmed and stated that a severe 
[fight] between a considerable number of the Enemy's Barges and 
five American Gun-Boats, had taken place, in which the Boats were 
captured by superiority of force, after a most sanguinary con- 
flict. That the consequences were for&een by the American Com- 
mander of the flotilla (Capt. Jones) but could not be avoided ow- 
ing to adverse winds & a strong Tide runing through the pass of 
the Regelotts that baffled all attempts to make retreat to Pettit 
Coquille although strenuous exertions had been made to effect 
that object, which would have placed the flotilla in a perfect state 
of security. A sixth Gun-Boat called the Sea-Hock which was 
attempting to join the flotilla, from the Bay of St. Louis, was 
pursued by a number of Barges and compelled her to return into 
the same port where she was blown up to prevent her from falling 
into the hands of the enemy. That the landing of the enemy was 
prevented by means of a small battery of two guns on the hill. 
That the party being too weak for defence at St. Louis had found 
it necessary to destroy the public, and Pursers property at that 
place and abandon the port. 

It had been repeatedly stated by the Governor in his communi- 
cations to the Commanding General when at Mobile that, the In- 
tegrity of the Inhabitants of New Orleans could not be relyed on, 
in case of invasion, and that it would require a considerable de- 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 103 

gree of Energy to keep them in a state of subordination, such as the 
crisis demanded. On the General's arrival the same assertions 
were made personally by the same Governor and several old re- 
spectable American Citizens who had resided several years in this 
city. In addition, the Governor charged the Legislative Body, 
then in session, with rotteness, stating in substance, that a large 
proportion of that body (in his opinion) as well as a great number 
of the inhabitants would change with the current of events, what- 
ever they might now pretend, and that many of them could easily 
be prevailed on to become Vehicles of intelligence to the Enemy, of 
passing events. This information, joined to other important con- 
siderations, connected with the defence of this Valuable Section 
of the United States, composed of a population drawn from all 
quarters of the Globe, and who were as Various in their different 
political feelings, opinions and interests, almost, as in their several 
languages, pointed out to the Commanding General the imperious 
necessity he was placed under to declare the City and its environs 
to be subject to, and under, Martial Lazv which was accordingly 
done on 

Decr. 16th 

At which time the Governor was required to order into service 
the Local Militia en mass, which was according done. 

Guards composed of the local Militia were ordered to be placed 
at all the different points believed to be accessible by an enemy in 
Barges or large boats, and particularly at the Bayou Bienvenue 
as it was the nearest large Bayou to the city, and that the said 
Guards should use their utmost exertions to obstruct the Naviga- 
tion of all Bayou's & Canals through which boats could ascend so 
as to effect a landing of the Troops of the enemy in the Vicinity of 
Orleans or the river Mississippi. These Guards were also charged 
with communicating to the General, without delay, notice of any, 
& all, movements of the enemy which they observed, or of which 
they obtained information. A Gun-Boat was also sent down the 
river to observe the Movements of the enemy at the Ballisse, or the 
entrance into the Mississippi with orders also [to] forward the 



104 Smith College Studies in History 

communications for the General, to Fort St. Phillips, from whence 
a line of express boats were directed to ply as far as the point La 
Hashe at Duplessu's 45 miles below the city, where they would be 
received by a line of Vedetts and transmitted, without delay, to the 
Commanding General, wherever he might be. Fort St. John's & 
Petit Coquille were reinforced. Dispatches were sent to General 
Coffee & Major Hind to march their several corps immediately to 
Orleans. A dispatch was also sent to meet Maj. General Carrol 
who had notified the General of his departure from West Ten- 
nessee with nearly 3,000 men of his Division, part of the 5,000 re- 
quired by the General Government in aid of this state & Mobile, 
and who were believed to be at this time on their way near Batton 
Rouge. 

Decr. 18th 
A corps of the people of colour, consisting of five companies 
commanded by Lt. Col. Fortier, march on yesterday under the 
immediate command of their Major, Lacoste, for the purpose of 
occupying the post on Chef-Menteur, at the Mouth of the Bayou 
Savage, heretofore guarded by a company of Louisiana Volunteer 
Mounted Gun-Men. 

On this day I was ordered to the same point, with the Assist- 
ant Engineer (Livingston) to assist in laying out the Fort, or bat- 
tery, intended to be errected at that place, to command the pass, 
and in directing the Commanding Officer (Lacoste) as to the 
mode of errecting the same. The Major's command had been fur- 
nished with two Brass Field pieces, to be used by them until 12 
Ibrs. should be sent, which would be done as soon as the Fort was 
prepared to use them with effect. The duty assigned, being com- 
pleated on the 19th, the Assistant Engineer and myself returned 
the same night to New Orleans. 

At this time there were a considerable number of Boat-men 
from the uper States & Territories at this place (New Orleans) 
who tendered their services through Captain Robert Sprig and 
were received. Captain Sprig, by order of the General, Organized 
a very efficient Company, and the balance, v/ith others that arrived 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 105 

subsequently, were organized into a company by another com- 
mander of a Boat at this place. These two companies, in our 
great dearth of force, was considered as a Valuable acquisition, 
as well on account of the additional strength acquired, as the known 
activity & bravery of this description of men. A Volunteer Troop 
of cavalry was organized, about this time, by Captain Peter Ogden, 
a merchant of this city, and a Valuable Riffle Company, composed 
of the most promenant characters in the City, by Captain Beal. 
Judge Lewis of the city volunteered, as a private in this last com- 
pany. The only character of that description who deigned to honor 
the fields of battle with his presence & efforts in defence of his 
Country. 

Major Waltie H. Overton of one of the Rifle Corps, arrived 
about this time from Nashville, Tennessee, on furlough. On 
discovering the situation of the country, he solicitted an imme- 
diate command, which was granted him by placing him as com- 
manding Officer at Fort St. Philips, to which place he repaired 
without delay. This proved to be a judicious situation to the 
command of that important post. 

Decr. 22d 

On the evening of yesterday General Coffee, with a part of his 
corps arrived at his camping ground, 4 miles above the city, hav- 
ing travelled a distance of about 150 miles in 36 hours. ^ The 
balance of his Corps arrived early this day, having reached within 
10 miles last evening. Major Hinds also arrived this day with his 
Squadron of Mississippi Cavalry, and in the evening, had the 
pleasure of finding that General Carrol had also arrived with 
his force and encamped, near General Coffee's Brigade. General 
Carrols forces amounted, as said, to from 2,500 to 3,000 in about 
30 days from Nashville on the 22d day of November Ult. 

These additional forces authorized a confident hope of de- 
fending the city & country against the effect of the threatened 



'Tatum i? mistaken. Coffee took a little more than three days to 
reach New Orleans and the distance was 135 miles, as his own letters 
show. See Bassett, Life of Andrew Jackson, I, 170. 



106 Smith College Studies in History 

Invasion, and is believed to have made Firm friends of a number 
that were wavering, in a great measure. 

The Kentucky forces, ordered for the defence of this city, was 
now anxiously expected to arrive, but no intelligiance, to be relied 
on, could be obtained respecting their movements. Arms, also, 
notified to be on the way from Pittsburgh, could not be heard of, 
and the Local Militia had scarcely any other arms but fowling 
pieces to depend upon for defence. The arsenels were empty and 
no prospect of a supply, save only from the arrival of this Tardy 
Agent from Pittsburgh, which he had left about the 3rd of Novem- 
ber, as advised. 

About this time the Barataria Pirates, as they are called, prayed 
for liberty to step forward in defence of this Country, and only 
required personal security and the influence of the Commanding 
General, The Governor & Legislative body in procuring a pardon 
for those who should give efficient aid in said defence. This was 
agreed to, and the promise of influence on the behalf of such, 
pledged. By this means a number of brave defenders were ac- 
quired and some extra arms obtained from their depots. 

The Legislative body also (about this period) passed an act 
laying an Embargo, and authorized the emprcssmen of seamen 
on board the public armed Vessels, which was carried into execu- 
tion and a number of seamen obtained by this means, which would 
not be otherwise obtained. The necessity for such an act as this, 
will evidence the propriety, and necessity of enforcing Martial 
Law, in a situation so precarious and uncertain, and at a period 
so alarming as the present & passed time is & was at the date 
of that declaration. 

Information was received about this time that the Enemy's 
Vessels had Entered Lake Bourne and were seen passing the en- 
trance of Chef Menteur and bearing around the point, in the direc- 
tion of that part of the lake that received the Bayou's Bienvenue 
& Phillipon, and that the Troops of color were apprehensive that 
a landing could be effected that would cut off their retreat to the 
city. They were therefore permitted to retreat to the vicinity of 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 107 

La Fair's old place at the prairie, 3 miles in the rear of their, 
then, position, from whence they were directed to reconoitre the 
Ground between that position and the Lake, in every direction and 
notify their discoveries to the Commanding General, especially to 
give immediate notice of any attempt of the enemy to effect a 
landing. 

Decr. 23d 
Between 2 & 3 o'clock P. M. on this day the Commanding 
General received information, by Alaj. Latour, that the enemy had 
effected a landing on the Bayou Bienvenue, and had arrived at 
Major General Villery's, on the Mississippi 7^ miles below 
New Orleans. He immediately prepared to meet them and give 
them battle and about sunset commenced his march for that 
purpose accompanied by the following corps, to-wit — The 7th & 
44 U. S. Infantry. Lieutt. Spotts's command of Artillery with 
2 other Brass Field pieces. A small party of Major Carmacks 
]\Iarine Corps. Major Planchas^ Corps of Uniform Volunteers 
of New Orleans. Major Darquins corps of Volunteer men of 
colour. Brigadier General Coffee's Volunteer Mounted Gun-Men 
from West Tennessee. Major Hinds Squadron of Mississippi 
Territorial Dragoons. Captain Beal's company of Volunteer Riffle 
men of the City and a small detachment of Captain Griffiths Vol- 
unteer Mounted Gun-Men of Louisiana Amounting, in the whole, 
to, not more than, 1,800 men, Commissioned & Non-commissioned 
officers, staff, musicians & privates included. On arriving within 
field Artillery distance of the enemy's Encampment, and near the 
House of Colonel Lerond the corps were formed for action in 
the following order, viz : The Alarines were incorporated with 
the company of Artillery and formed in the Levey Road on the 
right of the line. One company of the 7th Infantry was also 
formed in the road in advance of the Artillery. The balance of 
the 7th displayed to the left in nearly a right angle with that part 
of the river. The 44th on the left of the 7th and in the centre of 



'General- J. B. Planche's name was frequently misspelled. Parton him- 
self has it "Planche." 



108 Smith College Studies ix History 

the right wing of the enemy. Major Planchus & Darquins corps 
united under command of Planchu on the left of that wing which 
compleated the line of Infantry. General Coffee proceeded from 
the left of the Infantry to the rear of the enemys Encampment 
and formed in a line nearly perpendicular to the left of the right 
Wing, having his right about 4 or 500 paces in advance of the 
line of Infantry, which space was covered by the Mississippi Dra- 
goons and Captain Griffiths detachment in advance of said Dra- 
goons. Beals riffle-men on the left of the Brigade. Commodore 
Patterson descended the river in consort on board the Carolina 
Schooner Capt. Handley, Commander, mounting 6 Guns at the 
same time, and arrived shortly after, that the land forces marched 
to the point of formation. 

It was understood between the General & Commodore that 
the action should commence as soon as the Caroline had reached 
her destination. That her fire should be the signal. That as her 
fire would be in the direction of General Coffee's position she was 
to cease hers as soon as the General commenced his fire. 

At about 8 o'clock P. M. the Caroline reached the point of 
destination and commenced a brisk and galling fire on the Enemy 
as they lay encamped at a short distance. Considerable confusion 
took place in his lines for a short time, and until his fires were 
extinguished. A firing of musquetry was then commenced on the 
Caroline, and three Rockets were also discharged at her but without 
injury to Vessel or crew. A simultaneous movement of the 
Infantry took place. The were met at the distance of about 200 
paces by the enemy when the 7th became warmly engaged for a 
short time. They advanced as soon as it was discovered that the 
enemy had attacked at long shot halting and firing occasionally 
until the whole line had advanced about 300 paces when the 7th 
& 44 were both attacked and the advance of the Artillery. Bat- 
tery was formed by the Artillery and several shot fired. The sev- 
eral baitings of the 7th had placed the 44th in advance, owing to 
the thickness of the smoke that prevented them from seeing the 
situation of each other. The river had also inclined to the left in 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 109 

its descent which obliged the 7th to obHque in that direction which 
threw the left of that regiment in rear of the right of the 44th. 
Planchu's command had been rather Tardy in its movements and 
had fell in the rear of the 44th some distance, and partly in rear of 
the 7th. About this time a heavy [fire] was commenced by the en- 
emy and a charge to gain possession of the artillery. This charge 
was met by a counter charge in support of the artillery directed 
by Colonels Butler & Piatt of the General Staff which was attended 
with success, and the enemy driven both from their charge and 
the positions they occupied behind a fence and ditch that had 
covered them for some time. The moon shone on the back of the 
enemy and gave them a decided advantage in discovering our 
situation, when it was difficult to see them from our lines. This 
disadvantage operating with the confusion & derangement of our 
lines, which had placed our corps in danger of a fire from each 
others line, and Captain Griffith having also advanced so as to get 
compleatly in front of the 44th and subjected his party to their fire 
for some time. The Commanding General conceived it to be most 
advisable that these corps should return to the ground of their 
original formation and there form the line anew, which was done 
without annoyance of any kind from the enemy. 

On the Infantry's ceasing their fire & retiring from the field 
of action General Coffee's command was ascertained to be closely 
engaged, which could not be ascertained whilst the firing continued 
on the uper line. The Caroline had also ceased her firing for 
some time. The firing of the Volunteer line appeared to extend 
all along the rear of the Enemys line and below the left of their en- 
campment. The action appeared to be warm on both sides as 
far as we could ascertain. It continued nearly one hour after 
the Infantry had retired. The firing then ceased and General 
Coffee shortly after returned and formed neatly in a line with the 
Infantry, on its left Wing. 

On the arrival of General Coffee it was ascertained that the 
enemy's line of encampment extended nearly a half mile on the 
river. That he had approached the rear very close and had had 



110 Smith College Studies in History 

a severe conflict with them, with some loss on his side and consid- 
erable (as supposed) on the part of the enemy. That his command 
and the riftie company, on his left, had taken from 63 to 66 pris- 
oners, amongst which was a Major (Mitchel) and some other 
officers. That the darkness of the night, occasioned l)y the smoke 
and stillness of the atmosphere, had so far confused both parties 
engaged that it became difficult for either to distinguish his own 
distinctly, in consequence whereof many on both sides were 
killed and taken who would probably have escaped under different 
circumstances. That the left of that line, with the riffle men, had 
closed to the river below the enemy, but that finding the Infantry 
had ceased their fire, and that the confusion which had taken place 
in the dark rendered further efforts precarious, and even dan- 
gerous, he had thought it most advisable to retire to the ground 
he then occupied. Ascertained the situation of the Infantry and 
obtained further instructions from the Commanding General. It 
was also stated that in several instances the enemy appeared to 
have gained the rear of his line, having been led astray by the 
darkness that prevailed, and were endeavoring to regain their 
position by the firing in other parts of the line. 

(Note.) It has been since ascertained that additional forces 
arrived from the Bayou during the action which (probably) were 
the forces above mentioned. 

In this action our Loss in killed, wounded & missing is stated 
at 213 Total. Lieutenant Colonel Lauderdale, Captain Pall and 
Lieutt. Brooks, of General Coffee's Brigade, and Lieutenant Mc- 
Clellen of the 7th Infantry were among the killed. By the returns 
it appears that only 24 Officers & soldiers were killed, 115 missing 
and the balance wounded. 38 Rifflemen, not included in the re- 
turns, were either killed or taken by the enemy. 

Whilst the action was progressing orders were sent to IMajor 
General Carrol, of the West Tennessee Militia, to march one 
thousand men of his Division to the field of action. They arrived 
shortly after the new line was formed by the Infantry after they 
had retired to their Ground of formation. 



Major H. Tatum's Journal HI 

General Carrolls command had been ordered, with the Local 
Militia and some other forces, to a position near the Bayou Bridge 
at the fork of the road leading to the Chef Menteur, to guard 
against any diversion made from that quarter, on the city, as ap- 
prehended by some, and in particular by the Governor, who con- 
tinually rode his hobby on that rout, and accompanyed the Troops 
ordered to that ground. 

The night became dark, foggy and extremely cold by the time 
General Coffee returned, and the arrival of General Carrolls forces, 
which induced the General to occupy the same ground until the 
morning of the 

24th 

When the Commanding General refflected upon the importance 
of the trust committed to his charge including, not only the defence 
of this section of the United States, as a member of the Union, 
but the City of New Orleans, the Grand depot of the Western 
States and most of the Maritime Towns in the United States. That 
the Wealth now deposited in this City ready for exportation was 
immence, exclusive of the local wealth of the Citizens of Louis- 
iana. That one imprudent, unsuccessful step would terminate in 
the ruin of thousands and enrich a Vindictive enemy by the accum- 
ulation of immence Booty (a primary object with them) he de- 
termined to take possession of, and fortify any strong position 
which would cover the City & Country above, until he could the 
better ascertain the strength of his adversary, and the extent of 
his plans of operation. For this purpose, early in the morning he 
caused his army to fall back behind an old Mill Race near the 
Dwelling of a Madame McCarty, about two miles nearer the 
city. Major Hind's Squadron of Dragoons and a few other troops 
were left at the house of Colonel Lerond to ascertain the diflFerent 
movements of the enemy and notify the Commanding General 
from time to time of such discoveries as he could make as to the 
intentions of the enemy, the reinforcements he received, his 
probable numbers and situation of his Encampment and disposition 
made of his force. 



112 Smith College Studies in History 

The Canal, behind which the army retired, was large, and 
stretched from the river (nearly at right angle) a considerable 
distance into a thick, and almost, impenetrable swamp, which com- 
menced at the distance of about 600 yds. to the left of the river. 
On the uper side, and on the bank, of this Canal a Breast Work 
(or parapet) was commenced, and its erection prosecuted with 
great ardor, and calculated to extend a distance of about 800 
yards to the left, from the river, and extending about 200 paces into 
the swamp. Proper banquets was errected to every part of this 
line of defence, and batteries constructed at such places on the line 
as were deemed proper, according to the number of Ordinance 
that could be spared to this work. The work commenced on the 
same day the army arrived at its position ; and progressed with 
such rapidity as to become formidable in three or four days al- 
though the four [sic] was weak. 

Lieutenant Colonel Elliot of the Volunteer Gun-Men, on 
this morning, proceeded, with a detachment from the Brigade, 
to a field near the enemy's lines and collected, and brought off, a 
number of the Horses belonging to the Brigade, without molesta- 
tion. They had broken loose during the action, and could not be 
collected on the retreat on account of the darkness of the night, and 
having strayed into a field of sugar cane that concealed them 
from the search of their owners. 

Several crevices were opened in the Levey as the army retired 
which covered the swamp on the left, and a considerable part of 
the open ground in front of the line with water from the river. 
This inundation gave strength to our works in its infant state, 
and had the river continued at its then height, would have proved 
advantageous throughout the siege. The advantage was enjoyed 
about one week, by which time the works were compleated. 

25th 

It was ascertained on this day, that the enemy (on yesterday 
and on this day) had been reenforced to the number (as believed) 
of from 2 to 3,000 men and a few pieces of field Artillery. On 
the part of the defenders they were still busied in extending and 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 113 

strengthening their lines. General Carrolls Division, with the 
exception of a few, were ordered to the line. The enemy still con- 
tinued to occupy their first position without shewing any disposi- 
tion to advance, even upon our advance, which was not more than 
4 or 500 paces above the uper part of their encampment. 

26th 
The Commanding General, on withdrawing General Carrols 
Division from the Local Militia, had permitted part of one of his 
regiments (Col. Cockes) to remain with the troops under the com- 
mand of the Governor. Captain Sprigg with his Company of Boat- 
Men was also attached to that command, and on last evening one 
Regiment of General Coffee's Brigade were ordered to join that 
command for the present. The Governor had received orders to 
explore the road leading to Chef Menteur and to select & fortify 
some strong defile and Guard rhat road against attempts of the 
enemy, he apprehended, from that quarter. Two pieces of field 
Artillery under the command of Lieutt. Bosque had been at- 
tached to that command, on the night of the 23rd. General Toledo, 
who had volunteered his services, undertook to be the Governors 
Engineer and instructor in the nature of positions proper for de- 
fence, which he appeared capable of selecting with great judgment. 
He executed this duty with great propriety. His lines were laid 
out with judgment and executed with considerable dispatch and 
strength. 

27th 
The schooner, engaged in the action of the 23rd had crossed 
to the opposite shore, and had continued in her position, on that 
side, until this morning, when she was attacked by a heavy fire of 
heated ball from a battery errected, and mounted on the preced- 
ing night. Several of these shot pierced her side, one of which 
reached her Magazine, set her on fire and blew her up. She sunk 
shortly after. Her Ammunition had been nearly expended. Her 
crew got on shore safe, before the explosion, and two of her gun's 
were thrown on shore by it, and saved. 



114 Smith College Studies in History 

It had been ascertained by this time that the enemy had no in- 
tention of making an excurtion by the rout of the Chef ]\Ienteur 
road. The forces therefore, under the command of the Governor 
were ordered to fall back to the Vicinity of the Bridge on Bayou 
St. Johns, after detaching a command of about 250 men to relieve 
Major Lacosts command at La Fons on the Bayou Savage, to 
guard against any diversion the enemy might be tempted to make 
in that quarter. Captain Spriggs's Company was ordered to rein- 
force Fort St. John at the mouth of that Bayou. The Local Mil- 
itia took a position on the rear of JMarigna's Canal near the Bridge, 
and the Detachments from Carrolls & Coflfee's Corps rejoined their 
several regiments on the lines. IMajor Lacosts Battalion arrived 
and took post on the lines in the evening. A part of General Yil- 
lery's division of Local Militia arrived, also, on this day and took 
post in the rear, at Madame Dupree's Mill Canal. Colo. De jeans 
Regiment (part of that Division) was stationed near IMadame 
Prainasses Canal, about half a mile in rear of the line of defence 
and at about half distance between Dupree's & the said line. 

Both of the above Canals are Occupied as ]\Iill seats, and ex- 
tend from the river to a considerable distance within the swamp 
and disemboge their waters into those of the Bayou Bienvenue, 
as does that on which the line of defence was errected. 

28th 
The line of defence runs from the river at right angles on a 
course 30° East of due North (variation 9° Wt.) and extends 
in all, about 1,400 paces. Nearly 450 paces of this distance, on the 
left is covered by swamp, almost impenetrable, leaving the balance 
open to the view of the enemy in front, although a part is still 
covered by a swamp with small brush wood & sedge grass. At 
the distance of about 520 paces from the line, on the Levey road 
a large Ditch commences which extends from the road, towards 
the left nearly 1,000 paces inclining towards the line of defence 
so as to bring the extreme end to the distance of about 400 paces 
from said line, where it connects with a double Ditch which runs 
in a direction nearly perpendicular from the lines of defence and 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 115 

southeastwardly. Another large Ditch takes its departure from the 
levey road at the distance of about 640 paces from the line of de- 
fence, and extends in the same direction, and empties itself into 
the same perpendicular Ditches of the former, at the distance of 
about 550 paces from the line of defence. The perpendicular Ditch 
is bordered with a post & railed fence that extended from near 
the line to the second or furthest ditch, and from thence in nearly 
a right angle to the thick swamp. The brushy part of the swamp 
commenced immediately below the double Ditch. From the 
first Ditch in advance of the line, to a considerable distance below, 
on the direction of the river, the fields are covered with a rank 
sedge grass which compleatly covered the second Ditch from the 
view of persons on the line, except where a few bushes had grown 
up and pointed out its situation & direction. At the junction of the 
second, and perpendicular, or double Ditch, the Swamp bore to the 
left in a circular direction, and gave room to Bienvenue's and 
other plantations, to extend from the river nearly two miles, and 
opened a northeast view to that distance, and an East, North East 
View to a much greater distance. At about 1,200 paces below 
the lines the river (in its descent) bore gradually to the North 
of East which placed the Houses and plantations, on the river, and 
the river itself, in view of great part of the lines, to the distance of 
about 4 Miles, on each side of the river, below our position. 

On this morning before sun rise, the enemy were discovered to 
be in motion, and advancing towards our lines. They advanced in 
three columns; one by the way of the Levey road which halted 
near Brow-ns House & Bienvenue's,^ distant about 120 chain from 
the lines. The second in a Central position between the first & 
third, and the third towards our left and on reaching the head of 
the double Ditch advanced on its lower side, under cover of the 
Post & railed fence and halted, in column at the distance of about 
100 paces in advance of the first ditch (since described, as the line 
of demarkation) . The second, or centre column displayed and took 



^ Eventually Tatum makes the name of the bayou stand for the name 
of the owner of the plantation adjoining the head of the bayou. Villere. 



116 Smith College Studies in History 

possession of the second Ditch. Having gained these several posi- 
tions, the cokimn on the Levey road commenced a brisk fire from a 
few 4, 6 & 9 Ibrs. and also threw a few Rockets, but with little 
effect. This attack was answered by a brisk and well directed fire 
from the few batteries we had then in readiness. Two light parties 
detached at different times and some warm skirmishing ensued. 
The last of these parties amounted to 200 men commanded by 
Lieutenant Colonel Henderson, of General Carrols division, and 
consisted of two companies of Rifffe men. The object of this sortie 
was to approach the outer column of the enemy, under cover of 
the fence, and endeavor to cut off a part of the column, whilst the 
Batteries, by a cross fire, prevented the column displayed from 
advancing, and galled the rear & centre of the column attacked. 
Whether the Colonel properly conceived the order given (verbally) 
or not, cannot now be ascertained. Certain it is that, instead of ad- 
vancing under cover, he obliqued to his right and formed his party 
near the first Ditch and fronting the enemy in the second at least 
100 paces to the right of the column he was to have attacked, and 
immediately in the range of the fire intended from the batteries. 
In this position he was attacked both in front & flank. This attack 
was repelled with great bravery but, as may be presumed, with 
little effect, as his fire was altogether directed against the party 
covered by the Ditch. The skirmish was short, the Colonel being 
killed after a few rounds and three of his men shot down nearly 
at the same time. A retreat was instantly commenced and 
effected without further loss. One of the men who had fallen in 
this conflict was discovered to be alive, shortly after the retreat was 
effected. He arose three times and attempted his escape, on the 
third attempt he kept on his legs and made towards the lines under 
a heavy discharge of musketry from the enemy. Major Simpson 
& Capt. Collins, of the division, discovering this attempt of the 
wounded man, leaped over the works, crossed the Ditch and ran 
to his assistance, accompanied by one or two privates. They 
reached the wounded man and conveyed him to the lines in safety 
under a most Tremendous discharge from the enemy's line and the 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 117 

column on the flank. It was as great an act of bravery as was 
witnessed on the Hnes during the siege. 

The firing from our Batteries (which we had been constantly 
increasing in number) put a compleat stop to any further advance 
of the enemy. It was continued until about 3 o'clock P. M. when 
the enemy retreated in great haste and in some apparrant con- 
fusion. The third Column retired & formed in line, out of reach 
of our cannon, and covered the retreat of the displayed (or centre) 
column. The other column retreated by the Levey road by which 
rout they had advanced. 

The enemy now formed their encampment in view of the 
lines of defence at the distance of about 2 miles resting their left 
on the river and extending in a line from thence nearly parrellel 
to with the line of defence, keeping up a strong Picquet at Bien- 
venue's & Browns Houses and one Regement in the sugar House 
of the former. This Picquets occupied the grounds near the river 
from a distance of from 40 to 60 chains below the American line. 
They were covered from our view by enclosures of orange trees 
around the gardens at Browns & Bienvenue's and a few lofty trees 
& some other under Growths, In these gardens, &c. The Pic- 
quets threw up works, under cover of which they secured them- 
selves from the efifect of our fire. Their sentries were covered in 
the day by consealment in the numerous small Ditches on the 
Ground and behind old houses that screened them from our view. 

Our line of Piquet Guards, consisting of three parties, were 
stationed at about half distance between the lines & nearer Ditch 
and the line of sentries at half the balance of distance from thence 
to the same Ditch, in a line extending from near the Levey road to 
the swamp. 

Comodore Patterson, with his usual alacrity, had sent the ship 
Louisiana to our aid, as soon as he was apprized of the enemy's 
advance. She anchored nearly opposite our line and kept up a 
brisk, well directed fire until the enemy retreated. 

Our Loss on this day, taken from the returns, was one Lieu- 
tenant Colonel (Henderson), 1 sergeant and 5 privates killed. 1 



118 Smith College Studies in History 

Lieutenant, 1 sergeant & 6 privates wounded. The bodies of the 
Lt. Colonel and men that fell with him, was recovered and brought 
into our lines as soon as it was Dark. Major Carmack of the Ma- 
rines, also wounded in his hand. 

Three Brittish Deserters came into our lines, at different hours, 
on this night, who all agree in stating their loss in the action of 
the day, at about 152. They also state that on the 24th the killed 
men of the preceding night were not all collected & buried, with 
all their exertions. Lieutenants Crawley & Norriss, of the Navy, 
also state that on the 24th they could discover, from the mast-head 
of the Caroline, then opposite the enemy & field of action, that 
carts were in motion from morning until night, hauling in the killed 
and wounded. These deserters state the force of the enemy which 
had arrived at camp, at 7,000 men. 

Commodore Patterson, about this time, suggested to the Gen- 
eral the advantages that would result from the errecting batteries 
on the Levey on the right bank of the river, which he had exam- 
ined, and tendered his services for that purpose. The General 
highly approved of this plan, as it afforded an opportunity to en- 
filade the enemy's Encampment and would prove of great ad- 
vantage, in annoying the enemy in all his movements near the 
river. He immediately ordered General Morgan (who had 
crossed to St. Leon) with a considerable proportion of his Com- 
mand to march up and cover the operation of the Commodore, 
assist in errecting the batteries and, to throw up a line of defence, 
at some proper place, to cover his command. These arrangements 
were soon compleated and several batteries errected mounting one 
and two Guns each some of which were 24 Ibrs., the balance 18, 12 
& 9 Ibrs. These batteries were errected at different places and 
extended nearly a mile from the upper to the lowest. Furnices 
for heating ball, was errected at some in order to destroy the 
houses on the left bank, that incommoded our opperations. Brown's 
House was soon destroyed by this means and a number of attempts 
made upon Bienvenue's Dwelling & Sugar Houses, but without 
success, as the enemy occupying them, extinguished the fire when- 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 119 

ever they discovered our shot to have taken effect, for which pur- 
pose, it is said, they kept wet blankets in constant readiness. The 
flank of the enemy's encampment and the Picquet Guards, near 
the river, were considerably annoyed by these batteries, as well as 
from a well directed fire from our own lines and the ship 
Louisiana. 

A number of negroe men were now procured from the citizens, 
to ease the labour of the soldiery and preserve their health and 
activity for more important service. These negroes were divided 
and allotted to the different corps on the lines. And another 
large party was collected, and placed under the direction of a 
Monsr. Latrobe, an Engineer, engaged as an assistant by the Com- 
manding General for the purpose of constructing and errecting a 
line of defence in reserve, at Madame Dupree's Mill & Canal 
about one mile in the rear of the principal line. This line was 
immediately commenced, and progressed with great rapidity & 
strength. A Demi Bastion on the right (at the Levey) raked the 
Canal in front of the Breast Works and played obliquely across the 
plane, from the Embrazures in its base ; and on the levey and 
obliquely over the plane from those in its face. Another Battery 
was errected at the commencement of the swamp, at the dis- 
tance of about 600 paces, which formed a cross fire with that 
on the Levy. A strong Bridge was thrown over the canal a few 
paces below the Demi Bastion by which it was protected, as also 
by another Battery errected on the lower works of the Mill, about 
40 paces below the Bridge. The waters on this canal were from 
5 to 6 feet deep, with a strong line of defence on its uper side. 
General Villery's command occupied this line, and furnished the 
necessary Guards in, and along, the swamp for its security & 
protection. 

The front line (at the place now called Camp Jackson) on the 
28th was occupied, from right to left by the following corps, Viz: 
7th Infantry, commanded by Maj. Piere in the absence of Major 
Nix. ^Lijor Planchu's Battalion of Uniform Volunteers. Lieu- 
tenant Colonel Fortiers battalion of the people of Colour, com- 



120 Smith College Studies in History 

manded by Major Lacoste. Major Dacquin's Battalion of Volun- 
teer Men of Colour, and the 44th Infantry commanded by Captain 
Isaac L. Baker, senior captain. These corps composed the right 
wing of the line, under the command of Colonel George T. Ross of 
the 44th United States Infantry and senior field officer present. 
Major General Carrolls Division of West Tennessee Militia oc- 
cupied the left wing. Captain Beal's Company of Rifflemen, oc- 
cupied the line between the river and battery No. 1, under the 
command of Captain Humphrey of the corps of artillery. The 
balance of the batteries to the left of No. 1 were commanded by 
Artillery & Navy officers — Dominick of the Baratarian party — 
Colonel Perry of the Quarter Master Generals department, and 
one battery by Brigadier General Garrick M. Flojacque, a member 
of the assembly, then sitting, and Brigadier General of the Dis- 
trict of Attakapas who volunteered his services (having no other 
command at hand) in preference to remaining (like his colleagues) 
an idle spectator of passing events. General Coffee's Brigade and 
the other, different, corps of Dragoons & Mounted Gun-Men, were 
encamped in reserve ready to yield support to any part of the line 
where their services might be required. 

In this situation the line remained (with little variation) until 
the morning of 

January 1st, 1815 

When it was discovered that the enemy had, on the preceding 
night, errected three batteries. One near the extreme end of the 
furthest Ditch — two others, nearly adjoining each other, in a cen- 
tral position between the former and the river, and near the same 
Ditch. Also another, and fourth, battery on the Levey & Levey 
road about 100 paces below the head of the Ditch and near the 
corner of Browns enclosure. The enemy had manned the Ditch 
that lay immediately in front of these batteries, and one other 
Ditch about 30 chain in the rear of the Batteries. A column on 
the levey road halted near the main body of guards in the vicinity 
of Brown's & Bienvenue's Houses. These preparations evinced a 
disposition in the enemy to attack our lines. Preparations were 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 121 

according set on foot to guard against their movement and defeat 
them in their plans, whatever they might be. One Regement of 
General Coffee's Brigade was marched to the edge of the swamp, a 
small distance in the rear of the left of the left wing and formed, 
with Colonel De jeans Regement en potence, to prevent the enemy 
from turning that flank, should they be able to penetrate the swamp 
on the left of our line of defence. The other regement of that 
Brigade still occupied its former position about 300 paces in the 
rear of the centre of the said lines. Major Hinds Dragoons re- 
mained, also, at their position nearly in a range with the buildings 
near the Levey, and in Hne with the former regement. 

At 10 o'clock A. M. the enemy commenced their attack by a 
heavy discharge of Ball, grape & shells, from a number of 4, 9 & 
18 Ibrs. and one or two Howitzers, accompany with showers of 
congreve Rockets. This discharge was met with great spirit and 
zeal on the part of the defenders, by an incessant fire of Ball, 
Grape & shells from their batteries. I had never before witnessed 
so severe a cannonade for the time it lasted, as on this occasion 
(even in the 6 weeks siege of the City of Charleston, in 1780) 
the firing was, almost, without intermission on both sides for nearly 
three hours. The Batteries of the enemy near the Centre and on 
the Levey road were compleatly silenced by one o'clock P. M. 
and that on the enemy's right about 3 o'clock. The firing from 
the central & Levey Batteries were directed principally up and 
along the levey, and at the House of Madame McCarty, occupied 
by the General as his Head Quarters. This building was con- 
siderably injured by the enemy's Ball. Little, or no injury was 
experienced from the Rockets & shells, excepting the destruction 
of one casson blown up by the explosion of one of the shells. The 
fire from the battery on the right of the enemy, appeared to be 
directed, principally against the Regement of Coffee's Brigade, in 
the rear, which was immediately ordered to join and form with the 
balance of the Brigade, near the swamp. This Regiment had one 
Serjeant killed and a few horses wounded. They received no 
other injury. 



122 Smith College Studies in History 

Shortly after the Batteries were silenced the enemy retreated 
from the left of their front line, and the whole of their rear line, 
with great speed & confusion. 

During this action, the batteries on the right bank of the river, 
kept up a constant fire on the column near the Levey, and enfiladed 
the rear line of the enemy & their camp severely. The ship 
Louisiana was also placed in a distant position and aided consider- 
ably in annoying the enemy on the left of their front line, and 
the battery on the Levey road. 

The Loss of the enemy on this occasion must have been con- 
siderable. Deserters state it to be from 140 to 200 men. :\Iany 
dead bodies were discovered, after the retreat, at and near the 
batteries. The retreat of the front line was completed after night, 
and these discoveries were made on the next day. A number of 
Ball, Grape, Spades, Shovels & picks, and a few Barrels Powder 
fell into our hands, which they had not time, or means, to remove. 
8 or 10 pieces of ordinance (in part destroyed) fell into our 
hands from the same cause. 

The loss on our side, as reported to the Commanding General 
is 1 sergeant & 10 privates killed — 1 Lieutenant, 2 Sergeants and 
20 privates wounded — Aggregate 34, 

In the course of the week, commencing with this day (Sunday) 
several skirmishes of small consequence took place between small 
parties of our sharp shooters and the enemy's Guards, as our 
partizens were endeavoring to reconnoitre the Batteries, and the 
ground in their rear. Some additional preparations were also 
made for defence. The Brigade of General Coffee took post in 
line, on the left of General Carrolls Division & extended the line 
on the left, in an obtuse angle, which was manned as a cover to 
the left flank of the line. Colonel Dejeans Regiment, and other 
forces, were ordered to the right bank of the river to reinforce 
General Morgans command. 

The Kentucky requisition, under Maj. General Thomas ar- 
rived on the 4th and were encamped between ]\Iadame Plarnasse, 
and Madame Duprec's Canals. These Troops, as well as the Local 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 123 

Militia, were very badly armed. Many of the arms brought by 
these Kentucky Troops were unfit for service, and many of the 
men were destitute of any, nor could they be obtained at this place, 
as the arsenal had been exhausted in supplying those who had 
previously arrived. One Regiment (Col. Slaughters) with the 
best of the arms was encamped in reserve, a short distance in rear 
of General Carrolls line. General Thomas was sick, and incapable 
of doing duty ; The Command therefore, of those Troops devolved 
upon Brigadier General Adair, Adjutant General of this division. 
Information was received early this week that several of the 
Enemy's armed Vessels were ascending the Mississippi and were 
approaching near the Fort of St. Phillips. That 2 of those Vessels 
were Bombketches. Shortly after receiving this Information the 
attack on that Fort was distinctly heard at the lines. Several dis- 
patches were received by the General from thence, from time to 
time, giving favorable statements of the defence made by the 
Garrison. The Bombardment appeared to be incessant and created 
considerable anxiey for the fate of the post, although the utmost 
confidence w^as placed in the bravery & Talants of the Commandir.g 
officer (Maj. Overton) and the bravery and activity of the officers 
& soldiers under his command, as also in Lieutenant Cunningham 
of the Navy, who, it was understood, had hauled his Gun- Boat 
into the Bayou Placquimine, and taken charge of the battery on 
the Glacis, mounting two 32 Ibrs. It was much feared that the 
fuses &c. furnished for the 15 Inch Mortar of that place might 
prove deficient, as well as the Bombardiers, for want of sufficient 
practice in its use & management. 

A strong battery on the left bank of the river, a small distance 
below the Fobourg Marigna had been commenced early in the 
week, in aid of Fort St. Charles, in case the Enemy should make 
good their ascent on the river. From this Fort a line of defence 
was extending on the left, to the swamp. The whole progressing 
as fast as circumstances would permit, under the direction of the 
principal Engineer (Maj. Latour). 

The enemy had plundered Bienvenue's Sugar House of a num- 



124 Smith College Studies in History 

ber of Hogsheads of Sugar which were taken to the Levey and 
converted into a battery from whence several shot were exchanged 
with our batteries on the right. The materials did not answer the 
end proposed, and the battery was silenced in a short time. Some 
others were errected near the same place but did ours no essencial 
injury. 

On Saturday (the 7th) in the morning Commodore Patterson 
(ever on the alert) advised the Commanding General that, the 
enemy had opened Villery's Canal to communicate with the river, 
and had passed a number of Armed Barges through it, into the 
Mississippi. The Idea was immediately conceived that, an attack 
was premeditated against the lines & batteries on the right bank 
of the river, and that a simultaneous attack would be made to storm 
the lines on the left. Preparations were made to defeat the enemy 
in both of his designs. 

Two detachments were ordered to be sent from the lines on the 
right bank, at night-fall, to different points below the line, to met 
and repel the enemy at the landing, and prevent it, if possible. 
400 men were ordered to reinforce that line, from General Thomas' 
Command of Kentuckians and that they should be well armed from 
the balance of that corps and such arms as could be gotten at the 
arsenal in New Orleans. It has since appeared that only from 
170 to 180 men of this force were sent over, as arms could only 
be procured for that number. This party is stated to have reached 
that line shortly before day light, and were ordered immediately, 
below the lines to support the other detachments. 

In the course of this Week a Demi-Bastion had been errected 
on the lower side of the canal, on the right of the lines. Two 
Embrasures were constructed in its base to rake the Canal and 
plane in front of the line, and two others in its face for the purpose 
of raking the Levey & road. It was encircled by a Posse leading 
from the canal, along the foot of the Base & Face and communi- 
cating with the river from whence it would receive a supply of 
water in the rise, expected. The field pieces were placed therein 
for the convenience of shifting from the Base to the face as cir- 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 125 

cumstances might require. These pieces were placed under the 
Charge of an officer with a sufficient force to serve them. The 
company of rifflemen on the line commanded the interior of this 
work & protected it. 

Sunday, Jany 8th, 1815 
At the dawn of day the enemy were discovered (by the Piquet 
guards) to be advancing in force against our lines. The alarm 
was given and the guards retired within the lines. The Enemy 
advanced in three columns from his right, centre and left. That on 
his left advanced by the Levey road. The one on his right (which 
was much the heaviest) passed by his battery on the right on a di- 
rection leading to the left of our Centre, defended by Major Gen- 
eral Carrolls Division. He approached the lines almost in the face 
of our 18 lb. battery, and gave to that battery and another, contain- 
ing a Howitzer, still further to our left, an opportunity of raking 
the right of his column compleatly ; and also a favorable opportun- 
ity to rake him on his left with a 12, 4 & 6 Ibr., and at a greater 
distance, by a 32 lb. battery. As he approached with this column a 
tremendous fire was opened upon him from these batteries, the 
militia and part of the 44 U. S. Infantry. The effect was aston- 
ishing. The enemy were broken three, several times, halted, closed 
column and advanced again and finally entered the canal with their 
front platoons. Such destruction of men, for the time it lasted, 
was never before witnessed. The attempt to force the line was 
persisted in for about 25 minutes, as near as I could judge, before 
he was convinced of his error. He then retreated in great con- 
fusion under the operation of a most destructive fire, of ball. 
Grape and musquetry. The column in the Centre, had halted & 
concealed itself in the sedge grass behind the first ditch (as a re- 
serve) between the Battery on his right and his double batteries. 
Shortly before the column on his right retired, this centre column 
advanced in the front of the 44th Infantry, on its arriving within 
the distance of 200 paces of the line, it wheeled short to the right 
and joined the retreating column. On re-passing the battery, 
by which he had advanced, he filed off to his (then) left along the 



126 Smith College Studies in History 

side of the swamp, and took possession of a ditch beyond the reach 
of our Cannon, where he remained (as deserters say) until night 
before he ventured to regain his encampment. 

In the course of this part of the action, an officer was observed, 
on horse back, in front of the 44th Infantry, about 200 paces, with 
whom an intercourse was kept up from the column. He soon 
paid for his temerity by being shot from his horse almost as soon 
as discovered. Eight men immediately rushed from the Centre 
Column and bore off the body with the loss of four of the party. 
The horse was caught and brought into the lines by Midshipman 
Livingston, from one of our batteries, shortly after the firing 
ceased. 

At the commencement of this attack the Kentucky Regiment 
(in the rear of General Carrolls division) advanced and took 
cover under the line. A part intermixed with Carrolls men and 
fought bravely. 

The column of the enemy on the Levey & road, advanced 
rapidly and entered the Fosse under the face of the Demi-Bastion, 
mounted over the parapet and gained entire possession of that ad- 
vance work. The commander & party retreating behind our lines 
in a state of confusion disgraceful to its commander. The enemy 
were now open to the fire of Captain Deal's company of Rifflemen, 
by whom every officer & man that entered this work was killed, 
wounded & taken — not one escaped. A Lieutenant Colonel Rainey 
who headed this part of the assault, crossed the canal from the 
Demi-Bastion and endeavored to gain possession of our line. 
He was met as he raised to a level with our parapet, by a Mr. 
Weathers, of the riffle company, who shot him in one of his eyes 
and put an end to his existence. He was certainly a man of un- 
common bravery, and was much lamented by the officers of the 
army to which he belonged. The balance of this column was 
driven back with considerable slaughter (excepting about 30 or 40) 
who had concealed themselves in the Fosse, under the face of 
the Demi-Bastion. This concealed party, after the firing had nearly 
ceased, attempted their escape, but without success. The whole 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 127 

were killed, wounded &: taken. The whole time from the 
commencement to the close of this action, 45 minutes. 

The scene exhibited on the field of action, in front of the line 
of defence, where the columns advanced & retired, was truly dis- 
tressing to a feeling mind. The column that had retired from 
before General Carrolls division & the before mentioned batteries 
appeared to have left behind them, in advance of the first ditch 
(a distance of about 20 chain from the line) upwards of 500 
dead bodies, and a number more that could be seen beyond the 
Ditch to a considerable distance, with a number of wounded, that 
were incapable of retreating. On the Levey nearly one hundred 
were killed. 

Shortly after the firing had ceased, numbers of those that were 
supposed to have been killed, began to rise and solicit assistance. 
They were severely wounded. Arms, Legs & thighs had been 
shattered, in great abundance, by our Grape & ball, as well as by 
our riffles & musquets. 

The relief solicited was most liberally furnished. The militia, 
in great numbers were sent to assist them into the lines, with such 
of the 44th Infantry as lay contiguous to the scene of action. They 
brought those that could not walk, with assistance, on their backs 
and on a few planks placed along a few scaling ladders, the enemy 
had left on the field. All were brought into the lines by this 
means, that our men dared venture to. Many could not be gotten 
without considerable danger, as the enemy, on their retreat, had 
thrown some sharp-shooters into the first Ditch, to cover the 
wounded and prevent them from falling into our hands as prison- 
ers of war. This party kept up a constant fire on such of our men 
were as endeavored to relieve their wounded within the reach of 
their guns ; In some instances wounding those who were endeavor- 
ing to give relief, while no attempt was made on the part of the 
enemy, to furnish it. 

Shortly after the firing had finally ceased on the left bank, 
and the enemy retired beyond our reach, a heavy firing was heard 
from the right. It was soon seen that the enemy had attacked and 



128 Smith College Studies in History 

Driven General Morgans Command from their line of defence, 
and that they were retreating with great speed and confusion, up 
the river, and pursued by the enemy. The persuit was continued 
until the enemy reached Doctor Floods House & Mill, nearly 
opposite Head Quarters, a short distance above the right of our 
lines, where they halted, and, as we supposed, with the intention 
of enfilading our lines, but in this we were mistaken. Several 
shot were fired at them from the demi-bastion which obliged them 
to retire from the Levey, where they remained until night-fall. 
Floods Houses, and some others on that side, were burned, partly 
by our own men, and others by the enemy. Reinforcements were 
sent across to the right bank, to halt, and strengthen the fugatives, 
and to prevent the enemy from approaching the Arsenal opposite 
the City. 

Having never seen an official report of the transactions, on 
the right bank (on this occasion) renders me incapable of giving 
anything like a correct statement of the causes that led to this 
disaster. A contest arose between the Kentucky detachment and 
the Louisianians, on that side, in which each charged his op- 
ponent with all the disgrace attached to this unmanly defence of 
their line, but on conversing with Commodore Patterson, who was 
on the ground, directing the management of the artillery & Bat- 
teries, and not involved in the controversy, I am of opinion that 
neither of the contending parties acted with that manly bravery & 
fortitude their country expected of them, or that their own repu- 
tation required. The only person exempt from censure, as far 
as my information extends, was the Commanding General (j\Ior- 
gan) who is said by the Commodore to have exerted himself 
strenuously to restrain the flight and reduced them to order with- 
out assistance or success. 

The Commodores statement, on which have to rely, relative to 
the operations of the day, on the right bank, is nearly to this 
amount. That on the preceding evening two Majors with a com- 
mand of about 200 men each had been detached to diflFerent points, 
below the lines, to oppose the enemy should they attempt to cross 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 129 

tlic river, and, if possible, prevent them from effecting a landing 
on that side. That the enemy efTected a landing below both com- 
mands, without opposition. That the lower command retreated 
back into the swamp without attempting to oppose the advance of 
the enemy. That the enemy continued to advance until he arriverl 
near the second command, which retreated, also, without making 
opposition until they reached the small command of Kentucky 
Troops that had arrived at the lines a little before day-light, and 
had been ordered in advance, to cover and support these two com- 
mands. That on the approach of the enemy a few shot were 
fired by this party, and the whole retreated within the lines. That 
they entered the line on its right, near he swamp, and were pur- 
sued by the enemy. That in order to stop the progress of the 
enemy he (the Commodore) had placed two pieces of artillery to 
enfilade the flank of the enemy, and had fired a few guns, which 
had, in some measure stopped their career, when he discovered the 
whole in confusion, and numbers runing off. That General Morgan 
was using every personal effort, in his power, to prevent the flight 
& restore order, but without effect, as he was not aided by any 
of the other officers. He does not know whether the party which 
retreated from below, halted at the lines, or not, but inclined to 
believe they did not. That on the first approach of the enemy, a 
confused firing took place from behind tlie lines for a short time, 
when the whole retreated, and having spiked the cannon, after 
halting the enemy, by a few fires, he retreated also, with his ar- 
tillerists. That he was convinced that had the defenders have 
stood firm, a few discharges of the musquetry & artillery would 
have caused the retreat of the enemy. 

On the night preceding the action the enemy errected a battery 
on the left bank, between their double battery, silenced on the 1st 
of Jany., and the battery on the levey road and but a short distance 
from the former, which they kept in constant employ during the 
action. It was directed principally against Madame McCarty's 
House, occupied by the Commanding (leneral as his Head Quar- 



130 Smith College Studies in History 

ters. A few Rockets were also thrown, but without any injury 
to the invaded. 

In the afternoon of this day, permission was given (at his 
own request) to a Captain Savery, who commanded a company of 
the people of colour in Major Dacquines Battalion, to take his 
company and endeavor to dislodge the party left by the enemy for 
the purpose of annoying us in our endeavors to obtain possession 
of the wounded, as prisoners of war. A small skirmish ensued 
in which the Captain succeeded with the loss of his Brother, 
killed, and 13 wounded. 

The loss of the Americans, on the left bank of the river, as 
pr. official returns, 2 sergeants, 1 corporal & 8 privates killed, — 2 
Quarter Master sergeants, 4 sergeants, 1 corporal & 16 privates, 
wounded, 34 Total. 

On the right bank of the river 2 privates, killed, 1 Adjutant, 
2 sergeants, 1 corporal & 12 privates wounded, and 19 privates 
missing. Total Z7 . Aggregate 71. 

The loss on the part of the enemy it is impossible to ascertain. 
It must have been immence for the numbers engaged. The pris- 
oners taken amounted to above 500 officers & soldiers. The killed, 
which were, afterwards, delivered to the enemy at the first ditch, 
as a line of demarkation, was considerably above 300, officers 
included, and it was evident, from the view we had to the rear 
of the ditch, that there were a great number killed beyond this 
line of demarkation. The number of wounded that escaped, must 
have been considerable. The first report that I have seen of Gen- 
eral Lamberts gives his aggregate loss at 1654. I am inclined to 
believe that report is correct, if I w^ere to judge from what I saw 
and what I have learned in various ways. His last report in detail 
collected from General Keane and others is absolutely false. I 
saw more dead bodies delivered him at the line of demarkation, by 
the Americans, from their side of the line, than are contained in 
the whole of that detailed report, which only gives 292 or 3. 

In this action only Ten of the enemy shewed themselves to 
General Coffee's Brigade, seven of which number were killed on 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 131 

the ground, and the other three were found dead in the swamp, 
near the same place, a few days after. 

Early in the afternoon a horn from tiic enemies lines announced 
the approach of a flag of Truce. It was met at the line of demarka- 
tion and a letter received, signed with the name of Lambert as 
Major General, proposing a cessation of Hostilities for the purpose 
of burying the dead. This proposition was acceeded to, so far as 
related to the armies on the left bank, on receiving a pledge from 
General Lambert that those on the right bank should not be rein- 
forced in the mean time, which pledge should be reciprocated on 
the part of the Commanding General. To this proposition Lambert 
requested until 10 o'clock on the morning of the succeeding day 
to deliver his answer, within which time he withdrew his forces 
from the right bank, and early the next morning wrote the Com- 
manding General that his troops had returned on the preceding 
day at 3 o'clock P. AI. to the left bank, although he must have been 
sensible that they were actually in view from our lines until 5 
o'clock P. M. So much for Brittish Veracity. The fact was that 
fearing our force on that side had been augmented, and that their 
situation was dangerous, they did retreat & recross the river on 
that night. 

The letters being always signed by (and sent from) General 
Lambert rendered it proper, in the negociations, and also necessary 
to know what had become of Packingham, Gibbs & Keane which 
were all supposed to be his superior officer. He answered a letter 
upon this subject by assuring the General that he was the Com- 
manding General of the Brittish forces, and from some deserters 
we obtained the information that Packingham & Gibbs were killed 
and Keane wounded, in this last conflict. 

The terms upon which the truce was finally concluded was 
that the Americans should deliver all the dead bodies on the uper 
side of the Ditch at the edge of the sedge Grass, and all that were 
in the woods and swamps at this line of demarkation. and that 
the Brittish army should collect those below that line and bury 
the whole in two hours. This time was extended and compleated 



132 Smith College Studies in History 

early in the evening, when the usual firing commenced from our 
batteries on the Picquets and lines of the enemy. 

The officers charged with the delivery of the dead from our 
side the line, took the advantage of the opportunity aflForded them 
in noticing the opposite side of the line. They state that a great 
number of dead bodies were to be seen on that side. They de- 
livered, as before stated, upwards of 300 officers & soldiers, from 
our side of the line, in addition to those collected by the enemy 
within the bounds allotted them. This delivery will be seen to 
have taken place on the 9th. 

On the evening of the 8th whilst the flags was waiting for an 
answer from the Commanding General, a number of the enemy 
were discovered in the swamp near General Carrolls line. The 
General ordered them to lay down their arms immediately and 
march into the lines or they would be fired. This order was in- 
stantly obeyed by which the General gained possession of one Cap- 
tain, one subaltern & fifty one other persons. They are included 
in the number of prisoners made on that day. 

As the Bombardment of Fort St. Philips still continued, and 
the issue remained doubtful, the Commanding General ordered a 
water battery to be Erected on the Levey, about 150 paces above 
the left of the lines of defence, which was compleated in a few 
days, under the direction of a Mr. Blanchard, and mounted with 
four 24 Ibrs. At the same time a new line of defence was erected 
on the right bank for the protection of General Morgan's com- 
mand and a battery also erected, under the direction of Commo- 
dore Patterson, on the Levey, on that side, which was mounted 
with the Guns that had been used on the batteries below and 
spiked on the retreat of the Eighth. These Guns had been drilled 
and put in a situation for service under the superintendence of the 
Commodore, excepting one Howitzer which the Enemy had taken 
away on their retreat. These batteries had scarcely been com- 
pleated when the Bombardment of the Fort St. Philips ceased, 
and shortly after, information was received, that the Enemy, 
after expending upwards of 1,200 shells of 13 Inch diameter, had 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 133 

descended the river, and abandoned the enterprize, leaving the de- 
fenders in quiet possession of the Fort and its dependencies with 
very triffling loss & injury. 

A thirteen Inch mortar had been conveyed to the lines, with a 
number of shells, previous to the 8th but had not been placed in a 
situation to render service. It was found difficult, on the soft 
ground about the lines, to get a spot sufficiently firm for the pur- 
pose. A tolerable situation was at length fixed on and the mortar 
set in operation. A number of shells were thrown, but with little 
effect, owing to the softness of the ground which admitted the 
shells, from their weight, to sink so deep as to prevent explosion. 

A continued cannonade on their lines, is believed to have had a 
beneficial effect. Our rifflemen was, also, a considerable annoyance 
to the enemy in the day time by advancing near their Piquets & 
Sentrys as well as their fatigue parties, employed in the erection of 
two batteries on the enemies right as a security to his right flank 
which, it is presumed, he feared would be attempted to be turned 
by a sortie from our lines. 

A few days after the battle of the Eighth a flag was received 
proposing an exchange of prisoners. This was agreed to and a 
cartel settled which included all prisoners taken on either side, as 
well sea, as land forces, so far as they could meet the exchange, 
man for man, with an obligation on their side to return the Purser 
of the Navy (I\Ir. Shields) and party, that had been sent with a 
flag to Enquire into the situation of the prisoners captured on board 
the Gun Boats, and had as yet been detained. On this agreement 
Mr. Shields & party were liberated & returned, and the balance of 
our prisoners a few days after — a like number, and of equal rank 
was sent them, in return agreeable to cartel, at the place agreed 
upon. 

Irritated at his detention, Mr. Shields determined to obtain sat- 
isfaction for the injury he considered himself to have sustained. 

Whilst on board the enemy's Fleet he had obtained information 
that Admirals Cochrane & Malcolm were on shore with the land 
forces, and were expected to return, in barges, about the 16th. On 



134 Smith College Studies in History 

returning to Head Quarters he suggested a plan for intercepting 
these admirals, on their return, which was approved of, both by 
the General & Commodore. He was accordingly furnished with 
a few armed Barges at Fort St. John's properly equipped, and 
immediately before the day the admirals were to return, descended 
through the pass Chef Menteur, into Lake Bourne, or, as the 
French call it, Lac Borgne, where he lay concealed until Barges 
were discovered; these he pursued and fired on one of them at 
long shot, but without success. This was said to be Malcolm's. 
Cochranes was said to have returned on the preceeding day. On 
returning from the chace he fell in with and captured one other 
Barge containing a crew of sailors & a number of Cavalry officers 
& soldiers, amounting in the whole to, upwards of, fifty, two of 
which was Commissioned officers of Cavalry, or Dragoons. These 
were brought safely into port. 

A few nights after the return of Air. Shields into port, a 
Lieutenant Johnson, of the Navy, in a similar Barge, fell in with 
& captured another of the enemy's Vessels (said to be a Brig) 
laden with Bread and other supplies for the Army on shore, which 
Vessel he was obliged to destroy, being prevented by high winds, 
of an opportunity to bring her into port, through the difficult chan- 
nel of Chef Menteur pass. 

About the 15th & 16th the movemens of the enemy afforded 
strong evidence of a disposition to withdraw from their lines and 
to re-embark on board their Vessels at the Bayou Bienvenue. 
Deserters confirmed the suspicions we had entertained, and stated 
that they were daily sending off all heavy Articles, particularly 
their Ball, powder. Grape shot &c. as well as their sick & conva- 
lescent soldiers. This disopsition to retire was attended with 
increased evidence until the night of the 18th when, under cover 
of a heavy fog, common to this country, they actually abandoned 
their Encampment, and retired behind a battery erected for the 
security of their retreat, at a strong position on Villerys Canal. 
A discovery of this movement was not made until the fog had 
cleared away at about 8 o'clock of the morning of the 19th. Parties 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 135 

of light troops & cavalry were immediately detached in pursuit, 
to hang on, and harrass their rear. The movement proved to be 
too late, as they had gotten behind their battery before the parties 
could overtake them, and their flanks were perfectly secured by 
mirey swamps & prairies. They had been obliged to leave behind 
them, upwards of 60 of their wounded, sick, surgeons & attendants, 
as prisoners of War. 6-18 Ibrs. & carriages compleat (spiked only) 
were left in their batteries at different places on the Levey, and 
12 other cannon at the batteries on the 2nd Ditch which were 
mutilated and rendered useless. 

Jany. 20th, 1815 

On last evening and this day strong parties were stationed on 
Villery's Canal and in its Vicinity to guard against any manouvre, 
contemplated by this movement, on the part of the enemy. The 
post at Chef Menteur, or Bayou Savage, had also been previously 
reinforced, to oppose any landing that might be attempted in that 
quarter, after retiring from their lines. 

The forces on the right bank were continued at their present 
position. On the left bank the 7th Infantry were left in charge of 
the lines of defence & batteries. The parties stationed on Villerys 
Canal and in its Vicinity, with additional numbers of Local and 
other ]Militia, were continued at their positions. The 44th Infan- 
try, and the City Volunteers both white & black were ordered to 
retire, on the morrow to the City, there to remain and do duty until 
their services should be required elsewhere. The balance of the 
troops to retire to dryer Ground & more convenient Encampments 
until further orders. On the 2l5t the before-named troops left the 
lines for the several Encampments to which they had been ordered, 
and the Commanding General & Staff retired to Head Quarters 
in the Fobourg Marigna, at the lower end of the City, near Fort 
St. Charles. 

Adverse winds delayed the embarkation of the Enemy's 
Troops so far as to prevent their entire abandonment of our Ter- 
ritory until about the 27th. They still remained on our coast, but 
with what design could not be ascertained for several days. At 



136 Smith College Studies in History 

length advices were received that they had left the waters adjacent 
to New Orleans and appeared to be directing their course towards 
Mobile point, and in a few days after the Commanding General 
received information of their arrival in the vicinity of that place ; 
and by subsequent information that they had actually taken pos- 
session of Fort Bowyer on the 11th February. The circum- 
stances attending this capture I am not sufficiently informed of 
to enable me to state them with any correctness whatever. 

The 3rd Infantry had been ordered from Mobile to New 
Orleans previous to the departure of the enemy from their lines 
below Orleans, and arrived at New Orleans before the enemy 
sailed for Mobile point. 

After the date of the 27th no military movement of importance 
took place in the department of New Orleans proper for the notice 
of a Topographical Engineer, as believed. 

A controversy Embracing the principles of Civil & military 
right, which some supposed were not so clearly defined as to leave 
no room for quibbling, took place after perfect safety & security 
had been (as they supposed) perfectly assured to the state, al- 
though the enemy were still hovering on the coast in a menacing 
manner. This controversy, I presume, does not belong to my de- 
partment to detail were I sufficiently informed of the principles, 
or circumstances under which it commenced, and which I [am] al- 
most ignorant of. I have no doubt it will be fully laid before the 
Executive of the United States by the Commanding General with 
all its circumstances, principles and bearings, and that all am- 
biguity (supposed to exist) will be removed by the Government 
should any appear to exist, and that all doubts & difficulties on 
the same subject matter, will be put at perfect rest for the future. 

On receipt of the Treaty of Peace, ratified by the President 
& Senate of the United States, the order establishing & en- 
forcing Martial Law was revoked, and the Volunteers & Militia of 
all descriptions disposed of agreeable to the orders received from 
the department of War. The Command of the City of New 



Major H. Tatum's Journal 137 

Orleans and the Various posts in that section of the United States 
were placed under the immediate Command of Major General 
Gaines as General of Brigade, and the Commanding General of 
the District (after issuing the necessary orders and making such 
arrangements as he deemed proper) departed from New Orleans 
on the 6th day of April 1815 and progressed by convenient stages 
to Nashville, Tennessee, at which place he arrived on the 15th 
day of the ensuing May, where he was received with the usual 
salutations, and the acclamations of the grateful multitudes as- 
sembled, voluntarily, on this occasion, to welcome the return of 
their fellow citizen & honored soldier. 

Being destitute of the means of surveying the Ground at & 
below the lines of defence, including the different scenes of action, 
has put it out of my power to furnish the different, necessary 
drafts, or chartes. Several Gentlemen of the Engineer depart- 
ment, who were supplied with instruments of their own, has fur- 
nished the Commanding General (as I am informed) with neces- 
sary maps. From rough drafts which I have seen, I expect they 
are nearly correct, and my notes will point out, on those maps or 
charts the positions occupied by the contending parties, and the 
different movements of each, in the several conflicts of the 23d 
& 28th December 1814 and the 1st & 8th January 1815 where they 
are not shewn on the face of those charts. The Chart of Major 
Latour, it is probable, will be found to be most correct, as his 
capacity to do justice to the representation is certainly superior 
to any other that I have heard of, that has attempted it. 

The foregoing satements contains the notes & observations &c. 
made by me, as Topographical Engineer pro Tern, in the Seventh 
Military District from the commencement of those duties on the 
21st day of July 1814, to the 15th day of June 1815 when dis- 
banded, which it is hoped & believed will be found to be substan- 



138 Smith College Studies in History 

tially correct. All of which are submitted with due defference & 
respect by 

Ho. TATUM, Major and 
Topi. Engineer Pro tern. 
7th Military District. 
The Honorable, 

The Secretary of War, 
Washington City. 



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